Councillor calls for policy to prevent internet porn at libraries

01 July 2009 Councillor calls for policy to prevent internet porn at libraries

Division One Sunshine Coast Councillor Anna Grosskreutz has called for council to develop a policy on internet use in libraries, following a complaint that pornography was being accessed on library computers.

Cr Grosskreutz said she had been inundated with calls from concerned residents wanting council to prevent the possibility of internet pornography being accessed in libraries. This followed a complaint by mother who said she had seen a man viewing pornography at the Maroochydore Library recently.

"This is a serious misuse of a free council resource and we need to stop it," she said.

"I will be asking council to look at developing a technical solution to the problem, backed by a policy on inappropriate internet use."

Cr Grosskreutz said ratepayer-funded services should reflect ratepayer values.

"Why are we catering to two per cent of people when 98 per cent of the community is against the public having free access to pornography in libraries?" she said.

"This is not about restricting information -- it's about protecting the values of the people of the region.

"Why should ratepayers pay for people using library computers in this most inappropriate way?"

Cr Grosskreutz said she had received some independent advice from an IT specialist today who assured her it was possible to introduce filtering software on library computers without blocking access to legitimate sites.

She said the current position did not reflect the values of the council, or the community.

Cr Grosskreutz said she had brought up the idea of a policy on the issue with council's Chief Executive Officer, John Knaggs, and now she would take it to the council for consideration.

Permanent Link: Councillor calls for policy to prevent internet porn at libraries
Publish Date: 02 Jul 09