UK Govt Tries to Stem Flow of Internet Porn into Homes

The British government has called a meeting with the country's biggest broadband providers in a bid to curb Internet pornography from entering the homes of people with children. Ed Vaizey, the communications minister, met with broadband providers, including BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk, to explore changing how pornography gets into homes.

It was suggested that instead of parents having to choose to stop access to explicit websites, through parental controls, a block could be placed at source, meaning adults will have to specifically opt-in to receive the images.

The move is designed to prevent children from being exposed to sex at an early age and follows warnings about the hidden impact of pornography.

But many technology experts said the plans were unworkable even if the broadband providers signed up to a voluntary code.

It relies upon the Government or the Internet service providers themselves having a comprehensive and up-to-date list of pornographic websites.

Critics also argued that the move would be "censorship through the back door" and could end up restricting access to many legitimate websites.

"We already have an opt-in approach on mobiles. We're able to block sites, so it would be possible to do the same on the Internet," the Telegraph quoted a spokesman for Virgin Media as saying.

"It is just about finding the right approach," he stated.

The attempt by Vaizey to curb access to online pornography comes as an increasing number of televisions are being sold which allow viewers to watch Internet sites through the screens.

"This is a very serious matter. I think it is very important that it's the ISPs (internet service providers) that come up with solutions to protect children," Vaizey said.

"I'm hoping they will get their acts together so we don't have to legislate, but we are keeping an eye on the situation and we will have a new communications bill in the next couple of years," he added.

Source-ANI