BT has announced that a porn filter will now be ON by default for all new connections, which can only be disabled if the customers specifically decide against implementation of parental controls when they setup their internet connection for the first time.
BT is the third ISP in the UK to have implemented such a porn filter behind Sky and TalkTalk after the government asked all ISPs in the UK to start filtering porn and adult content. Despite the fact that the filter will be ON by default, customers will still need to confirm that they are fine with implementation of such a filter during the initial setup.
Customers have the option of choosing from three levels – strict, moderate and light – and based on this level protection will be extended to a user’s family. Unlike the previously implemented privacy controls that worked only for desktops and laptops, the new filter has been designed that it works with all computing and entertainment devices including smartphones, tablets, and gaming console on top of laptops and desktops.
Further users can also specify time between which the filter will be active. This provides the flexibility of automatically applying the filter during the day times and disabling it when kids are normally asleep.
“BT will be contacting all of its existing Consumer customers during 2014 so that they then have to make a decision on whether or not to set up the controls” said BT in a press release.
BT has also implemented username / password based system to protect against unauthorized changes to the settings. Further every change will trigger an email confirmation that will be sent to account holder’s email for additional peace of mind.
ISPs in the UK including BT, Sky and TalkTalk have already announced a £25 million online safety campaign to raise awareness among parents on how to tackle issues such as cyber-bullying and limit their kids’ access to online adult content.
