This is pretty curious:
THE UK Government is to combat the early sexualization of children by blocking internet pornography unless parents request it, it was revealed today.
The move is intended to ensure that children are not exposed to sex as a routine by-product of the internet. It follows warnings about the hidden damage being done to children by sex sites.
The biggest broadband providers, including BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk, are being called to a meeting next month by Ed Vaizey, the communications minister, and will be asked to change how pornography gets into homes.
Instead of using parental controls to stop access to pornography – so-called “opting out” – the tap will be turned off at source. Adults will then have to “opt in.”
Part of me wants to back this fully as I don’t want my own children having to bump up against it as they browse but another side of me feels like this could be a slippery slope type deal to block other types of content.
And there are those that don’t want any governmental control, regardless of content type.
What’s your take? Read more about the pending decision here.
Ben says
I’m with you John on this one. As a parent of three young boys I see the need to be proactive on my part and learn about parental controls but see how much more inviting it would be to have most of the work done for me already. On the other hand, I have a hard time with any government making such a large judgement call on the nature of a website. What is the definition they are using to define what a porn website is?
Stephen bateman says
Doesn’t the uk use opt in for mailing lists? Like I heard that they handle email subscription differently.
Just sayin, bc that might have a big impact on the way they think about this law. Really interesting though
Justin Wallace says
I consider pornography to be a type of oppression (especially when children become involved). Therefore, I believe it’s not only acceptable for the gov to get involved but I believe it is their responsibility. We call for the gov to get involved with the oppression taking place around the world thru other mediums…why not this? Our world would be a better place because of it!
fxgeorge says
Will never happen, besides, its easy enough to get around anyway. One of the only good things this country has is a completely open, un-restricted internet.
If it comes to it, I’ll ask for full rights regardless of who uses my connection. If I want to view porn, extremist sites and learn how to build a bomb online I will, I pay for the sodding connection.