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David Cameron has today ordered that an automatic block on online porn be put in place in order to protect children from sensitive content.
The proposed plans have bounced between figures in Government for weeks now, however, the PM ended confusion today by announcing that the plan will come into effect.
Blocks on pornographic content will be enforced in order to protect youngsters, whilst houses with children will have the web filters activated by default.
In order to remove the restrictions on sensitive content, parents will need to contact their internet service provider and prove their identity to prohibit children from making changes.
The PM hopes for a system where once a new computer is introduced to a home network, parents will be asked if children are present in the house, and if so, the blocks on content will be introduced automatically.
Parents will also have the option to censor specific kinds of content, filters against pornography and self-harm related sites, as well as blocks social-networking sites at particular times of the day.
David Cameron has long rallied for the changes to be introduced, telling the Daily Mail that it is ‘utterly appalling’ that so many children can access and are exposed to ‘the darkest corners’ of the internet.
‘A silent attack on innocence is under way in our country today and I am determined that we fight it with all we’ve got," says the PM.
The changes have stirred up much controversy, with many labelling the move as censorship.
However, parents and charities including the NSPCC have been quick to support the move, in favour of an opt-in system for adult web content.
A recent survey conducted by charity Childline queried 851 youngsters between the age of 11 and 15 revealed that 56 per cent of them believed illegal and unsuitable content should be filtered, whilst two in five of the youngsters admitted to either reading or seeing something online that upset them.
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