Porn Blocking Law in UK Will Bypass the EU Rules Regarding Content Filtering

A new internet legislation proposal spells out the intention to block pornographic sites primarily to protect children and teenagers from its effects. However, this new law will be contradictory against the rules of the European Union (EU) regarding online content filtering.

The EU cites "net neutrality" as primary concern why ISPs are not allowed to filter online content. But the new Bill will give the rights and authority to ISPs to block adult websites. Admittedly, ISPs have been blocking particular contents in the Internet, so the porn blocking law will actually ratify the existing practice of content blocking especially for the intent to protect the children, Business Insider reported.

Spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport said, "We are committed to keeping children safe from harmful pornographic content on the internet and this amendment will give internet service providers reassurance the family friendly filters they currently offer are compliant with EU Law." Though there are many against the proposed law, which is believed to defy "net neutrality," Internet Service Providers Association is in favor of it. The amendment will initiate total porn blocking. It will also protect the already-been-practiced parental control features.

Critics believe that an open internet should have no blocks or filters. They believe that porn blocking will also be against the "freedom of expression." It is believed that filters can also affect other "useful" websites like blogs, charities or businesses that has nothing to do with pornography. The suggestion was that, if by any chance the law is passed, it should be assured that parents will have the right to choose whether to filter internet content or not, instead of automatically applying filters and blocks in all their services.

Based on statistics, about 53 percent of ages 11-16 encounter pornography as they browse the Internet. This could confuse or upset them, Telegraph reported. Porn blocking could therefore be of help for parents trying to keep control over their children's Internet use. 

Tags

porn blocking, EU Law, UK Law, parental protection, net neutrality, pornography, ISP

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