Four UK ISPs to block porn unless customers opt in


11 Oct 2011

Four major UK internet service providers will block pornography by default, meaning customers will have to opt in if they want to view sexually explicit websites.

The Guardian reports that BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin are the providers involved in these government-sponsored measures which are being implemented to prevent children from accessing this material.

Customers will have to opt in to view pornographic websites, otherwise they will be blocked from them.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to announce other moves in line with the Mothers’ Union charity’s proposals to protect children from sexualised imagery online, on billboards and in advertising campaigns. The Mothers’ Union also wants to stop the sale of clothing with adult themes to kids, such as children’s T-shirts with suggestive slogans.

A new website called Parentport will be established, which will allow parents to complain about TV shows, advertisements, products or services which they feel are unsuitable for children.

Complaints will be directed to regulators, such as Ofcom, BBC Trust and the Advertising Standards Authority.