Tough question as 'security' and 'safety' are often in the eye of the beholder. Clearly, there are more threats operating at scale then ever before. We've probably all read about the experiments where unpatched windows machines have been put online and compromised within minutes (this is not a dig at MS, they are currently the biggest target).
As for government moves to implement web filtering, I think its a bad idea personally. I don't think its up to the government to enforce what citizens see and don't see. Unfortunately, these kinds of measures are normally touted as a way to cut down on child pr0n and other evil. But in reality, the people indulging in this find ways round it, so you just end up with the masses getting filtered due to the actions of a few. I don't think its healthy for democracy. I do agree with companies filtering Internet access though, as there is much content that isn't suitable for the workplace and poses a risk (and here the risk is to considerably larger information stores).
Hope that helps (sorry 'bout the delay in replying!)
Cheers
Craig
