An Australian internet rights group has applauded Google’s possible pull-out from China over censorship issues, drawing a link to Australia’s proposed plan to block parts of the internet.

“We’re certainly happy and supportive that technology companies like Google are asserting that this is a bad idea globally,” said Electronic Frontiers Australia spokesperson Geordie Guy.

Google’s surprise announcement that it will no longer comply with Chinese censorship demands and may exit China, comes weeks before a proposed internet-blocking plan will be introduced into parliament in Canberra.



The search-engine giant's stance brings more global attention on the Australian government's position on internet filtering.



“We’re concerned that Australia is following the sorts of precedents set down by countries like China and Iran that have maintained internet censorship,” said Mr Guy.