South Carolina to force device makers to block porn?

[Syt]

Probably not, but still, the stuff some of the state reps come up with.

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/south-carolina-porn-blocker-installed-new-internet-connected-devices/

South Carolina may require device makers and sellers to block porn out of the box

The state of South Carolina may eventually start generating revenue by blocking residents from accessing pornography. State Representative William "Bill" Chumley (R-Spartanburg) intends to make a change to the state Human Trafficking Prevention Act (HTPA) that requires all new internet-connected devices to automatically block obscene, adult content right out of the box.

The proposed change to the HTPA will require manufacturers or sellers of new computers, smartphones, tablets, and other internet-connected devices to install digital blocking capabilities. If the new devices are sold without the porn-blocker installed, the manufacturer or seller will be required to pay a fine. To prevent a possible fine, the manufacturer or seller can choose to pay a $20 opt-out fee for each device offered without the blocker.

On the consumer side, buyers who want the porn blocker deactivated on their new device must themselves pay a $20 fee. However, that fee can't be paid automatically: owners of new devices must verify that they are aged 18 or older, request in writing that the blocker be disabled, and acknowledge that they received a written warning regarding the potential dangers that may arise by disabling the blocker. Then customers can pay the $20 fee.

The digital porn blocking solution provided by manufacturers or sellers will also be required to block access to online hubs and websites that facilitate human trafficking. Means for reporting obscene content that slips through the blocker's filters must be provided in the porn-blocking solution as well.

Chumley told GoUpstate that human trafficking has recently "exploded" and become a "real problem." In South Carolina alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has received 1,330 calls and reported 308 cases since 2007. Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, fall within the top 20 cities in the United States for human sex trafficking. These two cities are connected by Interstate 85, which passes through the upper portion of South Carolina.

According to Chumley, this area is a "hotbed" for human trafficking. Even more, local officials believe the current sex trafficking numbers are even higher given that many victims refuse to come forward, or cases simply aren't reported.

Money generated from the fines and fees will be applied to the human trafficking task force of the South Carolina Attorney General's Office. The amendment is backed by state Representative Mike Burns (R-Greenville) who, like Chumley, sees the proposal as a way to block sexually explicit material from the eyes of children, and to help achieve an overall reduction of sex crimes against children.

"If we could have manufacturers install filters that would be shipped to South Carolina, then anything that children have access on for pornography would be blocked," Chumley said. "We felt like that would be another way to fight human trafficking."

[Valmy]

Because once that juicy South Carolinian market is blocked off the world wide pornography market will die!

But really they would pretty much have to shut down the entire internet to make this happen. These guys seem to think adult material is confined to a few blockable and identifiable XXX sites. Which is amazing. I can understand being out of touch with current trends but out of touch with 20 year old trends?

[katmai]

I thought the rate of porn viewership dropped  dramatically with Ide leaving state.

[celedhring]

20$ to sell unblocked devices? Looks like a thinly disguised porn tax to me.

[derspiess]

Only thing missing is a public registry of those who paid the $20 fee.

[Valmy]

Only thing missing is a public registry of those who paid the $20 fee.

And they are forced to drag the rock of shame behind them wherever they go.

[HVC]

if the republicans pass this SC will become a democrat state

[Archy]

Only thing missing is a public registry of those who paid the $20 fee.

And they are forced to drag the rock of shame behind them wherever they go.

And to celebrate if someone stops using it he gets the rock of glory.

[The Brain]

They came for the porn and I said "Stop!"

[Barrister]

Since the topic has come up... how do I, as a parent, block my kids from being able to access porn, either on a PC/Mac, but also on an iPad?

Up till now their only computer experience has been an iPad.  Since they can't read, they're just picking at pictures that look interesting.  But Timmy is in grade 1 and learning to read.  Pretty sure he'll learn about search engines.

I mean I'm sure that whatever blockers I can install he'll eventually figure out how to get around.  But I'd rather him be in his teens when he first discovers hard-core pornography, and not 8.

[HVC]

most kids that age "accidently" access porn through image searches, so make sure that the parental locks in google are on. but he'll quickly figure that one out. beyond that I don't know much about parental blockers, but Kaspersky comes with one.

[derspiess]

Since the topic has come up... how do I, as a parent, block my kids from being able to access porn, either on a PC/Mac, but also on an iPad?

Up till now their only computer experience has been an iPad.  Since they can't read, they're just picking at pictures that look interesting.  But Timmy is in grade 1 and learning to read.  Pretty sure he'll learn about search engines.

I mean I'm sure that whatever blockers I can install he'll eventually figure out how to get around.  But I'd rather him be in his teens when he first discovers hard-core pornography, and not 8.

Fun times to be a parent, eh?

[alfred russel]

most kids that age "accidently" access porn through image searches, so make sure that the parental locks in google are on. but he'll quickly figure that one out. beyond that I don't know much about parental blockers, but Kaspersky comes with one.

When traveling for business, with just a work laptop with all sorts of blockers, I'd just turn off safesearch and do a google image search of say "cute asian lady" and all sorts of naughty images would pop up.

However, since October I've given up porn. I'll keep this going at least through 2017. 

[Barrister]

most kids that age "accidently" access porn through image searches, so make sure that the parental locks in google are on. but he'll quickly figure that one out. beyond that I don't know much about parental blockers, but Kaspersky comes with one.

When traveling for business, with just a work laptop with all sorts of blockers, I'd just turn off safesearch and do a google image search of say "cute asian lady" and all sorts of naughty images would pop up.

However, since October I've given up porn. I'll keep this going at least through 2017. 

You're a brave man.  Even with "all sorts of blockers", if they find you've been looking at porn on a company computer that can get you fired.

[Valmy]

You're a brave man.  Even with "all sorts of blockers", if they find you've been looking at porn on a company computer that can get you fired.

Dude he is an adventure rock climber. He laughs in the face of danger.