The content filters being to parents through the NetAlert program were subjected to independent testing, Senator Coonan said. All vendors whose software was selected for the program had committed to continually upgrading and improving their filters, she said.

There was no “silver bullet” to the issue of internet porn. The government was not surprised that kids had tried to hack the filters – kids being kids – but the filter suppliers would continually improve the software, she said.

“We have always known that putting filters out in the market would be tantamount to issuing a challenge to internet savvy teenagers to get around the technology,” Senator Coonan said.

“Just as kids push the envelope with a whole range of risky behaviours, internet use and abuse is no different. But that’s not a reason to hold back on filtering, because just like seatbelts, if they are combined with other measures, are a very practical safety device,” she said.

All filters available as part of the National Filter Scheme are subject to ongoing upgrades and use a range of tools (such as technical updates and human hackers working for the filter providers) to ensure they remain ahead of the game here and overseas.

“On the back of the unconfirmed report of recent filter ‘hacking’, the filter providers have responded rapidly and take any report of vulnerability seriously to ensure their filters stay ahead of new threats.