UK AUTHORITIES ARE considering measures that would see internet users given the choice over whether to filter pornography or not.

Writing on TheJournal.ie this morning, child protection expert Pat McKenna calls for Ireland to follow suit and introduce an automatic opt-in filter for pornography and other content, such as self-harm and anorexia websites.

If you want to allow pornographic and other material into your home, then simply opt in. And if you do not want such a facility, then do nothing and allow the filter to apply.

A recent report revealed that one in five 11 to 16 year olds has been exposed to potentially dangerous content online.

McKenna writes that the measure would help parents who are not technologically literate, and would improve on home-installed net filters as it would apply to all web-enabled devices including smartphones, games consoles and some TVs.

Other media forms, such as print and broadcast, are already subject to obscenity regulations.

However, opponents of the measure have argued that it amounts to censorship.

So what do you think? Should Ireland introduce an opt-in filter for online pornography?

Column: Online pornography – Ireland should give parents a choice>

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