No more porn? Likud MK seeks to restrict access to 'inappropriate' sites

Customers will be required to provide an identification number as proof of age to the Internet provider to remove block on Internet access to pornography.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Updated: DECEMBER 10, 2015 15:00
Miki Zohar. (photo credit: COURTESY OF MIKI ZOHAR)
Miki Zohar.
(photo credit: COURTESY OF MIKI ZOHAR)
MK Miki Zohar (Likud) will present a new bill intended to limit the ability to access pornographic content on the Internet, he announced on Thursday morning.
In accordance with the bill, those seeking to access pornographic content will need to specifically request access to remove a porn filter from the Internet provider.
The bill is intended to prevent children under the age of 18 from accessing inappropriate content for their age group. 
"In the non-virtual world we have laws protecting minors to prevent them from venturing into sex shops and gambling centers, but online, children can be exposed to content that is unsuitable for their ages," said Zohar.
"The Internet is a public space and along with the right and freedom of expression for every citizen lays the right and freedom of children to be in the public domain without encountering inappropriate content for their age," he added.
According to Zohar, the block will not be difficult to remove. Customers will be required to enter the website of the Internet provider, give an identification number to check the customer's age and the provider will lift the ban on pornographic content.
MK Shuli Muallem-Refaeli (Bayit Yehudi) proposed a similar bill earlier this week.
Earlier this week, Zohar proposed a bill that would implement stricter measures to prevent commercial activity on Shabbat.
The measure would allow business owners to sue competitors open on Shabbat for financial damages and make it illegal to condition a rental contract or a work contract on remaining open or working on Shabbat.
“The purpose of the legislation is to emphasize the social and societal values inherent in observing the Sabbath for the sake of workers rights in Israel, to back businesses which observe the Sabbath and reduce businesses from opening on Shabbat,” Zohar said.
In Augusta branch of the Henri’s cafe and creperie franchise was fined for not opening on Shabbat in the Sarona Market food mall in Tel Aviv, although public criticism led to cancellation of the fine.
Existing law prohibits forcing someone to work on Shabbat, while most municipal jurisdictions prohibit commercial activity on Shabbat. But the measure contains a loophole by permitting businesses providing leisure and entertainment services to operate.
Jeremy Sharon and Lahav Harkov contributed to this report.