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Law reform watchdogs propose porn block for South Africa
The commission warned that this was in the interests of our children’s safety.
Photo: pixabay.com
According to the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC), we may have to look at other ways to bypass the porn block that is being proposed by our lawmakers.
In all seriousness, the commission, an independent statutory body that was established to advise on matters related to South Africa’s legal landscape, is looking at ways to protect children from pornography and child sexual abuse material.
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Why is SALRC proposing a porn block for South Africa?
As reported by My Broadband, the commission, in its statement, noted that it has issued a proposal to legislation for the default blocking of all porn material.
In its dissertation, it highlighted that South African children and citizens below the age of 18 are not protected from the ills of easy access to adult material.
“The Commission provisionally recommends that legislation should comprehensively criminalise all acts of exposing children to pornography and content not suitable for children, in whatever manner, including through advertisement and enticement or by making use of misleading techniques,” it stated.
It also called for action to be taken against companies that advertise pornographic products and services on the internet without restricting access to people under the age of 18.
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UK green lights historic porn block
This move comes after the United Kingdom’s (UK) approved a porn block that is expected to come into effect on 15 July, according to TechRadar.
All internet service providers in the UK will have to restrict access to pornographic sites with an age-check page. This will not be the basic checkbox that everyone cheats, however.
The interstitial screen will host an approved age restriction system where users have to use their passports, driver’s licence or credit cards to verify their age.
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For the SALRC, this is a step closer to creating a safe environment for our children, where they will not be exposed to psychologically-damaging adult material.
“Giving effect to this recommendation will serve to protect both the child and the provider, though regulations will be required to provide for effective implementation,” it said.
