UK Consults Public On Possible 'Opt-in for Porn' Solution

The UK government yesterday opened up a consultation on proposed methods of shielding children from pornographic or unsavory content on the internet. The discussion paper published by ministers on highlights possible ways to protect children from harmful web content including websites promoting suicide, anorexia, gambling, self-harm and violence, as well as those exposing them to online sexual grooming or cyber-bullying.

The paper, published at a UK Council for Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) conference on Thursday, asks for feedback on three options for keeping children safe online. The first is an opt-in solution that would see harmful content blocked automatically on internet-enabled devices. Customers would need to specify with their ISP that they want to opt-in for blocked content. The second option would involve presenting customers with 'an unavoidable choice' as to whether or not they want filters and blocks put in place on their internet service. This would happen either at point of purchase or when a customer first switches on a new device or internet subscription. The third option details a system that is an amalgamation of the options described above. Customers would be presented with a list of content to be blocked automatically unless they choose to unblock this content.

The proposed blocking of adult content is backed by UK Prime Minster David Cameron. However, Cameron believes it will only work if there was a clear prompt for the user that informs them of the settings and affords an opportunity to adjust them. According to the Department for Education, the UK's four main ISPs (BT, TalkTalk, Virgin Media and Sky) have each signed a code of practice that says they will give an active choice to customers when it comes to applying controls and filters to block harmful content. However, ministers have also said that the government will consider regulation if the industry doesn't go far enough or fast enough.

"Growing numbers of parents do not feel in control of what their families are exposed to online," the Department for Education cites Children's Minister Tim Loughton as saying. "Many want to take responsibility, but all too often they do not how know how because they find the technology too difficult to use or their children are more technically advanced then they are," he continued. "We have been clear that the internet industry needs to raise its game to equip families better in being able to block what their children access on the internet. There has been some good progress to date but just as technology does not stand still, nor should we, in making sure our children are protected. We have always been clear we would turn up the heat on industry if it did not make fast enough progress."

The government's consultation will last 10 weeks and will allow parents to give their own input and feedback.

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  • koga73
    Simple don't let your children use the internet unsupervised... there is no way to block everything bad.
    Reply
  • cscott_it
    koga73Simple don't let your children use the internet unsupervised... there is no way to block everything bad.
    Exactly. Even further, a good parent shouldn't have to police their children, they've taught them well enough not to make poor decisions. Kids are going to be curious, but if you sit down with them and take the time to teach them (rather than tell them) then it will make a world of difference. Being an active part of their life and a good influence is what they need, not the government and big media blocking everything because a parent can't be bothered to do it (or better, instill the morals and values that allow curiosity but prevent bad choices).

    Or to quote Bender:
    Have you ever tried simply turning off the TV, sitting down with your children, and hitting them?
    Reply
  • v3nom777
    Educate the youth. Pretending like an aspect of society doesn't exist is like putting blinders on a horse; the horse cannot see the things in their peripherals, but it doesn't mean it's not there.

    Knowledge is power.
    Reply
  • alidan
    v3nom777Educate the youth. Pretending like an aspect of society doesn't exist is like putting blinders on a horse; the horse cannot see the things in their peripherals, but it doesn't mean it's not there.Knowledge is power.
    what government wants to give power to the people?
    they want them just smart enough to work, but to stupid to go anywhere in life.
    Reply
  • bustapr
    i believe the only way to protect kids is to give them the ole' sex talk. however this is only for kids well in puberty. any teenager would get around any parental controls, if they dont know, they find a way fast(a wonder of human curiosity to find solutions and learn quickly). so many girls are being pregnant and getting STDs these days because parents avoid the sex talk, and never tell them TO WEAR THE RUBBER! blocking the internet wont work on teenagers. as for prepubescent kids, its all about what the parents teach their kids.

    I do however believe that a big help to protect everyone in general is to make a law where porn people have to wear condoms in the videos.
    Reply
  • damianrobertjones
    Just shove every 'suspect' page onto the .xxx domain extension. Done. Want porn or want to show porn? Grab the xxx domain and that's it. Don't want porn? Filter .xxx.

    Now... if only they'd stop something IMPORTANT like malware and 'your computer is infected click here to knacker up your pc'.
    Reply
  • eyetea
    koga73Simple don't let your children use the internet unsupervised... there is no way to block everything bad.

    SonicWALL or other UTM. Problem solved.
    Reply
  • pjmelect
    Kids will learn how to get around the blocks, on the positive side it may lead to a generation of kids who really know how the internet works and give Britain a competitive edge in the world.
    Reply
  • fb39ca4
    So how are horomonally challenged teenagers supposed to go about...you know...that thing...now?
    Reply
  • fb39ca4
    damianrobertjonesJust shove every 'suspect' page onto the .xxx domain extension. Done. Want porn or want to show porn? Grab the xxx domain and that's it. Don't want porn? Filter .xxx.Now... if only they'd stop something IMPORTANT like malware and 'your computer is infected click here to knacker up your pc'.Problem is the internet is global. They would have a hard time convincing sites based in other countries to switch.
    Reply