ASIC revealed to be blocking websites

Financial regulator, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC), is using censorship laws to require internet service providers to block websites providing fraudulent financial opportunities.

As first reported by Delimiter, ASIC has been harnessing Section 313 of the telecommunications act to force providers hand in blocking sites. The act is typically used the Australian Federal Police to shut down sites that engage in illegal activities.

The revelation sets precedence, and could see other government bodies also use this act to block sites that conflict with their portfolios.

Up to 1200 sites were blocked as a result of ASIC’s actions with the act over the past nine months.

The reporting of the un-intentional blockage of Melbourne public education site, Melbourne Free University led to the unravelling and public reveal of ASIC’s actions.

In a statement, ASIC confirmed its use of the act and explained the cause behind it’s blockage of the education site.

“Melbourne Free University’s website was hosted at the same IP address as the fraud website, and was unintentionally blocked,” the body said.

“Once ASIC were made aware of what had happened, they lifted the original blocking request.”

“The government is working with enforcement agencies to ensure that Section 313 requests are properly targeted in future.”