US pollies eye porn-block on new computers
News.com.au 21 December 2016
Computers and devices sold in South Carolina that can access the internet would be required to have filters installed to prevent people from viewing pornography, although buyers could pay a $US20 ($A28) fee to remove the blocking software under a proposal before the legislature.
The amendment would require manufacturers or sellers of computers and internet-accessible devices to install software that blocks pornography, according to a draft of the amendment filed with the South Carolina General Assembly on December 15.
One of its sponsors said on Tuesday the amendment would help raise money for the state’s task force to combat human trafficking, adding that the measure would not restrict their legal liberties, indicating it would allow for viewing adult pornography.
“This is a way to preserve freedom, not raise taxes and combat a serious problem all in one,” State Representative William “Bill” Chumley, a Republican, said in an interview.
Buyers over 18 in South Carolina would have to pay a $US20 fee to have the block removed. Manufacturers or sellers would pay a $US20 opt-out fee for each computer or device sold so they didn’t have to install the blocking software, according to the proposed measure.
The amendment did not address any technology challenges or whether the filter would be a barrier to interstate commerce for technology firms that sell their devices nationwide.
READ MORE: http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/us-pollies-eye-pornblock-on-new-computers/news-story/30469d7c13e508f8378b18311aa0434d
