From multiple reports this morning, it seems the Big 4 ISPs are not too happy with Camerons announcement of his anti-porn initiative, and he’s made out it’s far more wide-reaching than it is really. But we do have a few answers, courtesy of Slightly Right of Centre (Who first reported on the ISP response), the Telegraph, the Guardian and of course El Reg.
Is it opt-in or opt-out? “Active choice” has been touted – customers will need to answer one way or another, without any default. However, reading between the lines it seems ISPs are (unsurprisingly) leaning towards a more opt-in model and it will not be switched on be default for existing customers.
Who decides what will be blocked? Will the block list be public? How do you appeal? Who can appeal? It’s wide ranging, which is worrying, as we’re told “as well as pornography, parents will be able to block access to gambling and other adult websites.” “Other adult websites” likely includes “things parents might or might not disagree with morally, such as sites to help LGBT youth”. It’s entirely possible that this initiative conflicts with Cameron’s recent focus on forced marriage. If web blocking becomes more widespread, with many options on what can be blocked and no central regulation, those who need help may well be unable to get it as easily.
But every ISP will apparently be using different technology, so it’s possible that there will not be any central block list but the possibility of some sites being blocked on one ISP and not on another with no clear route to resolve issues. With blocks on mobile devices, it is already very hard, if not impossible, to get an inaccurately listed site allowed as there is simply nobody to get in contact with about it. “ParentPort” (Which is a non-government collaboration between various media regulators) is repeatedly mentioned, but that may just be a clearing house for reports.
Who pays? No answer on this one, but it’s sounding like it’ll be the ISPs are going to be funding it – which means a slight increase in Broadband cost for everyone.
How is it going to work technically? According to the Telegraph, Cameron has been accused of “misunderstanding what is technically possible“. So it’s quite possible this hasn’t been figured out yet – more than likely, with secure sites and proxies, the blocks will only stop casual access. This is at least slightly mitigates other problems as anyone that needs help on a topic may be able to get around the filters.