Sky Broadband have announced they will force web-filters on all customers, starting this week, unless the account-holder opts out. They say:
“When trying to visit a website deemed unsuitable for children under the age of 13 during the day, customers will see a page reminding them to make a choice about filtering. At this point, they can accept the current setting, change their protection levels or simply turn Sky Broadband Shield off.
…
“It’s better for people to make their own choice, but until they do, we believe this process to be the safest one. Meanwhile we can ensure that they’re protected from phishing, malware and sites unsuitable for young children.”
This approach will increase harm for websites and web surfers, and there is still little evidence of the benefit to children, so why are they doing it?
