New online porn blocks are set to be announced later today
David Cameron is set to announce a mandatory porn block for all UK internet users later today, with those keen on turning their browsers to the smutty stuff being forced to opt-in with their ISPs.
Reportedly set to warn that easy access to online pornography is “corroding childhood,” the PM is believed to be preparing a motion that will see all UK households have access to pornographic content blocked from source as standard.
Instead of the current system where parents are forced to put filters and blocks on their family systems, the new measures will see UK residents forced to actively request their home internet is permitted access to adult content, if so desired. With Internet Service Providers being forced to introduce the blocks, the new restrictions will effect both existing a new online customers.
With the move set to be formally announced later today, Mr Cameron’s advisor on the sexualisation and commercialisation of childhood, MP Claire Perry, told the BBC that millions of existing internet users will be contacted by ISPs to find out whether they wish to be exempt from the inbound “family friendly filters” and keep their internet access a little bit blue.
According to reports, Mr Cameron’s speech will hear the PM state: "I want to talk about the internet, the impact it is having on the innocence of our children, how online pornography is corroding childhood.
"And how, in the darkest corners of the internet, there are things going on that are a direct danger to our children, and that must be stamped out.
"I'm not making this speech because I want to moralise or scaremonger, but because I feel profoundly as a politician, and as a father, that the time for action has come. This is, quite simply, about how we protect our children and their innocence."
The action comes after the government has put mounting pressure on the likes of Google to hold a stronger footing and policy against the spate of child pornography online.
Discussing the upcoming online actions, Holly Dustin, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition, said the group was "delighted" by the move.
"The coalition government has pledged to prevent abuse of women and girls, so tackling a culture that glorifies abuse is critical for achieving this," she said.
"The next step is working with experts to ensure careful drafting of the law and proper resourcing to ensure the law is enforced fully."
Although it has been suggested ISPs will argue against the proposed measures at the risk of being seen as internet censors, the Prime Minister will push for what he is calling “active choice” for internet goers.
Do you agree with a mandatory block on online porn in the UK or would you rather other measures are taken in a bid to protect children from adult content? Let us know your thoughts on the matter via the TrustedReviews Twitter and Facebook feeds or through the comment boxes below.
