British Prime Minister David Cameron is considering a move forcing Internet service providers to block all porn unless users specifically request it, the Guardian reports, in a move likely to be vigorously opposed by the ISPs, free speech groups, and teenagers sneaking onto their parents' computers. Cameron will consult on the options for filtering out porn in the coming weeks. The push comes following a parliamentary inquiry into the harmful effects of online pornography on children.
The MP behind that inquiry called it "really encouraging" Cameron is looking into the measure, and added that ISPs must "stop equivocating and stop talking a load of flannel." The Labour Party seemed receptive to the push as well, calling for "easy to use and effective" blocking software. But advocacy groups were not pleased. "Default filters are awful," said the head of one. "They block a wide range of innocent material, and nobody should be advocating broader and simpler censorship." (More pornography stories.)