Sky Broadband introduces opt-out porn filter to protect under 13s from illicit content
Sky is joining its broadband competitors in censoring adult content by introducing the Sky Broadband Shield internet filter to all customers on an opt-out basis.
Sky has started emailing its customers to inform them the service will be turned on by default if they do not respond adding that they can deactivate it at their discretion.
The filter blocks sites deemed inappropriate for kids under the age of 13 during day time hours, instead sending users a reminder that the filter is active.
Lyssa McGowan, brand director of communications products at Sky, said: “We’re all aware that cyberspace can present security risks, and that the internet isn’t universally suitable for children. At Sky, when it comes to online safety for all, we take our responsibility very seriously and we want what is best for our customers.
“What we’re doing now is simply making sure that the automatic position of Sky Broadband Shield is the safest one for all – that’s ‘on’, unless customers choose otherwise.”
Sky estimates it services 5.3 million broadband customers in the UK.
A report launched by Ofcom in July found that less than a seventh of households had signed up for the filters legislated by the UK government.