We blogged about this a while back ago, but Great Britain is going through with it, requiring internet providers to block pornography on the internet unless adults specifically ask for it. Our discussion, though, missed the point, focusing on whether or not this was technologically feasible and how easy it would be to get around it. But there would be no need for an adult to get around it, since he would merely need to ask for access to this material and he would have it.
Let me reiterate what England is planning to do and pose some specific questions.
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.”
via All internet porn will be blocked to protect children, under UK government plan | News.com.au.
Would this work, in theory, in the U.S.A.? It wouldn’t violate anyone’s freedom of speech or freedom of the press or freedom of porn. If an adult wants it, he could have it.
Wouldn’t this not only protect children, but also be beneficial for adults, many of whom I suspect take advantage of the easy access now but would be ashamed to sign up for it?
Are there any down sides of doing the same thing here? Should people concerned about the moral harm of pornography launch a crusade to do what England is doing?
HT: Joe Carter
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