The UK government is moving to ensure that all pornography is to be blocked by default when a person signs up for a new internet connection and that current internet subscribers will be given an “unavoidable choice” as to wether or not they want the filters put in place. This is ostensibly to prevent children from seeing images unsuitable for them. However, this be seen as a troubling measure.

For the first time, the government is forcing ISPs to block content which is legal by default. This is a troubling precedent, and one that could cause a lot of backlash from free speech campaigners. 

How exactly this will work is not clear, however it would likely involve a filter on websites which contain certain keywords, which could cause several innocent websites to be caught up inadvertently. For instance, websites which offer advice to teens on LGBT issues could be blocked by featuring similar key words to those the filter is looking for.

Additionally, the government will make possession of “extreme pornography” (simulated rape and the like) illegal. Exactly what is defined under this is difficult, as several feature films (A Clockwork Orange being the most notable) feature simulated rape, and may be banned as a result. 

It would seem that this is an attempt to appeal to more hardline Conservatives who currently are displeased with some of the government’s recent actions such as the legalisation of gay marriage. It does not appear to come from public opinion; one of the key findings of a consultation on this issue carried out by the government was that "children’s online safety is the responsibility of parents and businesses.” and most parents believed that it should be down to them alone.

In addition, these actions could make parents become complacent about online porn and thereby make the situation worse by not properly educating their children on it.

The changes are set to be introduced by the end of next year. However, given the government’s recent U-turn on similarly controversial moves for minimum alcohol pricing and plain-packaging for cigarettes, it could be that these are scrapped if enough lobbying happens from businesses against them.