The US State Department has now also spoken out against the Australian plan to force internet providers to filter black-listed web content.
The country’s parliament is due to vote on whether access to sites that contain child pornography, sexual violence, and detailed instructions relating to crime and drugs should be prevented.
However, there are concerns about how far the restrictions could go. Last week search firms Google and Yahoo spoke out against the idea, saying the remit is too wide and that internet filters could be got around, while the process of blocking content would slow down internet access.
America’s Department of State has now also given its views on the plan.
Speaking to The Associated Press, U.S. State Department spokesman Michael Tran, said: “Our main message of course is that we remain committed to advancing the free flow of information which we view as vital to economic prosperity and preserving open societies globally.”
Tran said the matter had been raised with Australian officials, but would not discuss further details.