Filtering bill gives the Govt a 'blank cheque' to censor the internet, opponents say 7 Apr, 2021 05:40 AM 8 minutes to read Proposed internet filtering legislation has been described as too vague. Photo / 123RF Internet filtering legislation currently before Parliament is impractical, and gives the government "blank cheque" powers to censor the internet, opponents say. The internet filtering bill - officially the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification (Urgent Interim Classification of Publications and Prevention of Online Harm) Amendment Bill - is being shepherded through Parliament by Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti. Read More Inspired in part by Christchurch mosque massacre gunman Brenton Tarrant live-broadcasting his killing spree over Facebook, It makes the livestreaming of objectionable content a criminal offence.