BLOCK PORN

At our Conference in November 2010, research was presented which clearly demonstrated how viewing pornography leads to an acceptance of violent and unhealthy notions of sex and relationships, where the objectification of women and aggressive sexual behaviour are the norm. 

That is why Safermedia strongly supports Claire Perry MP’s initiative, for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to switch the default setting for internet pornography into our homes to ‘off’, and implement an ‘opt-in’ system, meaning that pornographic content would be blocked by default on a domestic internet connection unless the bill-payer has chosen to allow it. There has been growing demand for a system which would provide a more effective means of monitoring and controlling what comes into the home, especially to help parents protect children.

On the 7th February 2011, Ed Vaizey MP, the Minister for Culture met with the major British ISPs to discuss the potential of this suggestion.  Mr Vaizey went to this meeting on the 7th February with over 1,000 emails of support, the first stage of Safermedia’s campaign.  Following a good discussion, the ISPs are now looking at the technical side of implementation and the next meeting with Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey MP, is today on the 18th May 2011.As part of this campaign, on May 16th 2011 Safermedia travelled to central London and built a 10ft structure with coloured blocks outside the BT headquarters calling on ISPs to 'BLOCK PORN' at the source.   

See the picture below featured online on the Telegraph's 'Picture of the Day - May 17th', for an image of this demonstration.  Safermedia will keep you updated with the progress of our current campaign.

 

E-Campaign to support 'opt-in' system for internet porn

Recently safermedia has had some very productive meetings with MPs in parliament regarding the internet and the protection of children.  We are now urging you to join our current e-campaign.

On 7th February 2011 Ed Vaizey MP, Minister for Culture will be having meetings with British Internet Service Providers to push for an 'opt-in' system to block internet pornography and protect children.  It is vitally important that Ed Vaizey MP, urgently receives strong public support for his round table meeting with British Internet Service Providers on 7 February 2011.    

1. On behalf of Claire Perry MP, who suggested the 'opt in' initiative in her Adjournment Debate, we would urge you to fill in your name, address and organisation (if appropriate) on the letter to Mr Vaizey below, and send this email as soon as possible, and before 7 February, to vaizeye@parliament.uk. You may also wish to add your comments.

2. Please also forward this email as widely as possible to your contacts including churches, clubs or other groups (please put your own name in the address box and use the BCC button when doing this).

Thank you for your help.

Pippa Smith and Miranda Suit

Co-Chairmen, Safermedia

www.safermedia.org.uk

office@safermedia.org.uk

Dear Mr Vaizey,

Thank you for your efforts in arranging a meeting with internet service providers to discuss how the industry can better support parents and help them ensure that their children cannot access pornography. Research clearly indicates that viewing pornography leads to an acceptance of violent and unhealthy notions of sex and relationships, where the objectification of women and aggressive sexual behaviour are the norm. That is why I strongly support your initiative, suggested by Claire Perry MP, to switch the default setting for internet pornography in to our homes to 'off', and implement an 'opt-in' system. I urge you to promote it as robustly as possible at your forthcoming round table meeting with the ISPs in February.

Yours Sincerely,

Name:

Address:

Organisation (if appropriate):