Internet porn could be a step closer to being automatically barred from view as the government prepares for a deeper look at potential 'opt-in' measures and asks for parents' views on three possible filtering systems.
The first proposed method involves all adult content to be filtered as standard, with users having to contact their Internet service provider if they choose to view it. The second option is slightly less stringent, involving users being asked whether they wish to view adult content when they connect a specific device to the Internet, including laptops, phones and tablets.
The third option being discussed is a combination of the first two systems, known as 'active choice plus'. It will block content as standard and users will be given a choice to unblock sites as they choose.
The new consultation is the latest stage in the government's review of adult content filters. Members of parliament have been discussing various filtering methods over the past couple of years, arguing that children now have greater access to the Internet over laptops and phones, and as such can easily view potentially harmful material -- not only pornography, but also websites promoting self-harm, anorexia and suicide.
"We have always been clear we would turn up the heat on industry if it did not make fast enough progress," said children's minister Tim Loughton. But such filters can never be "100 per cent foolproof", he warned. "There can never be any substitute for parents taking responsibility for how, when and where their children use the Internet."
A good point, but it does raise the question of why everybody should be subject to such censorship if it's not going to be effective anyway. Perhaps a more appropriate course of action is to better equip parents with the knowledge needed to protect their children from harmful material.
The consultation will last for 10 weeks, after which the views will be discussed by parliament before any new legislation is created.
What do you think to the proposed filters? Is it right to censor everyone in an attempt to protect kids? Let me know your safe-for-work thoughts in the comments below or over on our squeaky clean Facebook page.
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anonymous 28 June, 2012 16:10
I don't understand the second option at all. Why don't the ISP's simply create a family package that blocks this content. They could be legally obliged to ask if customers signing up, have children and if so be obliged to clearly offer it and explain why. Incidentally how do they know what sites to block? Do they have people sitting there all day looking at websites and rating them?
anonymous 29 June, 2012 04:25
ISPs should not be held responsible for the content their users try and access, thats like saying music retailers should ban all explicit content from their stock. Parents should take steps to ensure their child cannot access unsuitable material. Parents these days just want to blame society and their children for their own lax parenting. YOU are responsible for your child, nobody else.
Jordan-Findlay 29 June, 2012 19:34
@anonymous 29th June 4:25 very correct