LONDON — A new campaign to block porn from public Wi-Fi hot spots has been launched in the U.K.
Billed as the world’s first attempt at restricting adult material in public, “Friendly Wi-Fi” campaign signs will be posted in restaurants, hotels and museums in an effort to stem children from viewing porn.
According to a Mirror report last November, 32 out of 129 free Wi-Fi hotspots allowed porn access (including PornHub) that was said to be available at public cafes at Oxford Castle, railway stations, the Norwich University Hospital, and in the lobby of the luxurious Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel.
The new Wi-Fi block was reportedly initiated by the Registered Digital Institute (RDI), that was approached following Prime Minister David Cameron’s 2013 National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) speech on Internet safety.
U.K. communications minister Ed Vaizey told the Mirror, “The ‘Friendly Wi-Fi’ logo will make clear to parents which cafes, restaurants and other businesses have Internet access that is safe for their children to use.”
He added, “It will help these firms ensure that families feel comfortable and make it clear to parents they are choosing a safe online environment.”
U.K. retail giant Tesco, along with Starbucks and Samsung have already signed on as supporters of the campaign.
