Oz Minister named Internet Villain of the Year

London, July 13 (ANI): Australian Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Stephen Conroy has been named the Internet Villain of the Year at the 11th annual UK Internet Industry Awards for his for his Internet censorship plans.

The award recognises individuals or organizations, who may have hampered the development or in a way disappointed the Internet industry - those whom the industry loves to hate, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Conroy was awarded as the Internet Villain 'for continuing to promote network-level blocking despite significant national and international opposition'.

The 46 year-old minister and supporter of one of the world's most ambitious internet censorship plans, had tough competition in the segment from the European Parliament, Baroness Vadera, Barnoness Shriti Vadera and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Conroy has faced severe criticism for his Internet censorship policies from Internet service providers, network administrators, some children's welfare groups, the Liberal party and the Greens.

While initially promoted as a way to protect children from child pornography, his censorship policy has been extended to include a much broader range of material, including sites depicting drug use, crime, sex, cruelty and violence. (ANI)