The federal government's decision to abandon plans for an internet filter is a major backflip, opposition communications spokesman Malcolm Turnbull says.
Mr Turnbull said Communications Minister Stephen Conroy had maintained for five years that he would not compromise and intended to censor what Australians could see on the internet.
"This was always a bad idea. It was bad for freedom, it was bad for freedom of speech," Mr Turnbull told reporters "But above all it was going to create a sense of false security among parents.
"His scheme would not be effective in stopping material about child pornography and other dangerous material being available online
