The New Zealand Internet Filter: Our Position

Over the past couple of days there has been a considerable amount of discussion regarding the Department of Internal Affairs' Internet Filter. This is because some of our competitors have begun using the filter.

We have been inundated with questions from concerned customers and potential customers about whether or not we too will be implementing the filter, so we wanted to clarify our position.

First, we want to make it clear that Orcon fully supports the filter's intention, which is to prevent people accessing child pornography on the Internet. However, we understand there are a number of concerns about the effectiveness and operation of the proposed filter.

Currently we do not have enough detail to be able to address these concerns to our comfort. This is why we have not implemented the filter. We have engaged with the DIA to better understand the proposed filter, and how it works. We want to make an informed final decision, and at the moment we are not in a position to do this.

Let us clearly say that just because we are engaged with the DIA about filtering doesn't mean we are going to implement the system. To draw that conclusion would be erroneous.

Most important, if - and that is a big if - we were to ever implement such a system it would be done in a completely transparent manner. That is, we would do so with full advance disclosure to our customers. We feel it is extremely important to bring to your attention anything that potentially affects your Internet experience.