5,000 Canadians Sign Porn Filtering Petition

COLE HARBOUR, Canada — Close to 5,000 people have signed a petition urging Canada’s government to adopt porn filtering.

Pushed by Nova Scotia resident Kristine Podeszwa on the Change.org website, the proposed action would force ISPs to block porn by default from all households, similar to what’s being mandated in the U.K. that would require users to opt-in to watch adult content.

“We are requesting that the Canadian government require all Internet providers to automatically block any and all pornographic material (videos, pictures etc) from Candian households. If an adult in the home wishes to have this content unblocked they are free to contact their Internet provider and authorize them to do so,” Podeszwa wrote on the site.

She added, “The horribly addictive effects of pornography on children and our society [are] becoming increasingly evident and we demand that the Canadian government take immediate action against it.”

Podeszwa has also created a Facebook page called the Canadian Anti-Pornography Petition, that she hopes will grab the attenton of the government. 

But similar to the U.K. backlash claiming filtering is tantamount to government censorship, some digital rights and civil rights advocates are voicing concern.

And tech savvy critics are saying that porn blocking is ineffective as surfers can find ways round the filtering system. The filters could also block non-porn sites that contain information on sexual health and so-called “violent” sites that could offer things like suicide prevention.

Porn filters can also block virtual private networks (VPNs), allowing anonymous surfers to disguise their browsing.

Tom Copeland, chairman of the Canadian Association of Internet Providers told the Huffington Post that filtering has been on the table for years but resisted by ISPs. However, the providers have reportedly been working with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection since 2007 in an effort to block child porn.

One respondent on Podeszwa’s Facebook page, Janalee Largesse, said in part, “It is not your place to parent other people’s children. Furthermore, it is not the government’s job to control thoughts, interests, streams, etc. We are all human beings with rights to make personal choices.

"If the government does what is currently being implemented in the UK, where there will be a blanket ban with the ability to opt out, what will happen to those who do? They’ll have this massive list of people — normal, decent individuals — who have opted in for porn; entirely innocent people that have done nothing wrong. Will their search engines be followed, records kept, spying on perfectly fine people viewing perfectly legal content?"

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Canadian Senator Revives Push for National AV Law

Sen. Julie Miville-Dechêne, whose previous multiple attempts to legislate national age verification requirements all failed, has introduced a new bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

FSC Submits Statement to House Committee in Support of FIRM Act

Free Speech Coalition has announced that it submitted a statement to the House Financial Services Committee in support of the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act.The announcement follows:

Plaiir Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Plaiir has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

FSC Issues Guidance on Kansas Age Verification Suits

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an advisory article for adult websites operating in Kansas, following several private lawsuits filed under the state's age verification law.

Reese Rideout Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Newly crowned XMA Creator Awards Male Clip Artist of the Year Reese Rideout has relaunched his website DrRideout.com through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Pineapple Support, SextPanther to Host 'Holistic PTSD' Support Group

Pineapple Support and SextPanther are hosting a free online support group for performers suffering from PTSD.

Fanblast Taps Nicholas H. for VP of Sales

Nicholas H. has joined Fanblast as its new vice president of sales.

Show More