The Knesset has passed in its first reading a private member’s bill by MK Amnon Cohen (Shas) to restrict access to adult content Internet sites. The bill mandates that access to pornography websites will only be possible by identity verification means, such as fingerprints or a smart card.
Cohen says that these means are already installed on new computers, and are becoming increasingly widespread as a security measure. He added that studies have found that 60% of Israeli children aged 9-18 have seen pornography online, most of whom reached the sites inadvertently.
“The Internet is full of thousands of sex, violence and gambling sites unsuitable for children. 44% of parents are unaware that their children are exposed to pornographic content on the Internet. My bill will require Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to bar access to adult sites, and enable access only via physical means of identification, which are becoming increasingly widespread as a computer security measure.”
Cohen said that bill also sets heavy financial penalties on ISPs who break the law. He added that there was no choice but to pass laws restricting Internet access because online violence and hard-core pornography have become a bitter reality.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on March 1, 2007
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