Israeli Politician Drafts Bill to Block Porn on Cellphones, Internet

TEL AVIV, Israel — Communications Minister Ariel Atias is drafting a bill to block free adult entertainment and websites containing violence and gambling, requiring Israeli Internet service providers to use a screening device that prevents access unless a subscriber specifically requests it.

While ISPs already market content-screening software, Atias claims they are an unsatisfactory solution, saying he doesn't believe families will voluntarily install the software. Instead, he is suggesting content should be screened at the ISP switching centers.

Tel Aviv-based news service Haaretz reported that Atias understands his bill could be an invasion of the subscriber's privacy, as their names would be recorded in the ISP databases.

Secular groups are planning to object to the bill on the basis of invasion of privacy and freedom of expression.

As of last week, Atias was successful in getting cellphone companies in Israel to stop allowing free access to erotic services; now adult subscribers must send a copy of their ID card to the company in order to gain access.

According to Haaretz, Atias' bill on Internet censorship is aimed at silencing claims that he is cracking down only on cellular services.

Copyright © 2026 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

Italian Court in Aylo Case Limits International Reach of AV Rules

An Italian administrative court has ruled that Italy’s recently-enacted age verification rules for adult content may not currently be enforced against sites based in other EU member states, pending further procedural action under the EU’s Directive on Electronic Commerce.

OCC, FDIC Prohibit Use of 'Reputation Risk' by Regulators

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) on Tuesday issued a final rule codifying the elimination of ‘reputation risk’ from their supervision of financial institutions.

Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Age Verification Bill

Gov. Tony Evers on Friday vetoed AB 105, an age verification bill that would have allowed anyone to sue adult content providers for damages over alleged failure to age-verify users in Wisconsin, with penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.

FSC Releases Statement on Wisconsin Governor Vetoing AV Bill

The Free Speech Coalition has released a statement on Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers' veto of the state's age verification legislation.

AV Bulletin: West Virginia Enacts AV Law, Ohio 'Innocence Act' Advances

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Woodhull Survey Reveals Concern Among Sex Educators Over AV Laws' Impact on Access

A national survey of sex educators by the Woodhull Freedom Foundation found that a majority of sex educators and sexual health professionals are concerned that age verification (AV) laws will negatively impact access to information and resources.

Clips4Sale Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has ruled in favor of content platform Clips4Sale in a case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the site.

FSC Talks Age Verification on Capitol Hill

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a blog post detailing the organization's talks on age verification on Capitol Hill in Washington.

FTC Warns PayPal, Stripe, Visa, Mastercard Against Debanking

Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson sent letters on Thursday to the CEOs of PayPal, Stripe, Visa and Mastercard, warning them against debanking practices — including denying customers access to services based on lawful business activities perceived as high-risk.

Show More