Israel Weighs Turning on Porn Filters by Default

Israel Weighs Turning on Porn Filters by Default

TEL AVIV — A panel of lawmakers in Israel has approved a bill requiring ISPs to block sexually explicit material by default.

The Israeli Ministerial Committee for Legislation’s decision now green lights the bill, sending it to Israel's parliament, the Knesset, for a vote, according to a report in the Times of Israel.

Under terms of the proposal, users seeking to access online adult material would first have to notify their ISPs in writing, by telephone, or via a dedicated web form.

The piece of legislation, if passed by the Knesset, would empower the communications minister — currently Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — to choose which sites would be banned, the Times reported.

So far, a handful of countries restrict adult content access to users, including the U.K., China, Iran and Turkey, among others.

Currently, Israel’s ISPs are required by law to provide filtering systems, which users can request to use without charge.  

If approved by the Knesset, the “Blocking Offensive Websites” bill could trigger the creation of lists of users requesting access to pornographic and other sites deemed offensive, opponents said.

Lawmakers from nine of the Knesset’s 10 factions signed the bill, which has been through 10 years in the making. Only members of the Meretz left-wing party refused to back it, the Times said.

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

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Host 'Online Censorship' Event

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

Severe Sex Films Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Severe Sex Films has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

ChickPass Rebrands as 'ChickPass Cinematic Universe'

ChickPass has announced that it has rebranded its network of sites as ChickPass Cinematic Universe.

Brazilian Adult Industry Association ABIPEA Launches

Brazilian Association of the Adult Entertainment Industry and Professionals (ABIPEA) has officially launched its organization.

New Adult Social Media Platform 'Havven' Opens Beta Phase

Havven, a new adult social media platform, has opened its beta phase and will officially launch Oct. 5.

Former Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer Sentenced to 3 Years Probation, $40,000 Fine

Former Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer was sentenced in federal court today to three years' probation and a $40,000 restitution fine for a conspiracy conviction related to money laundering through the defunct website.

Pineapple Support to Launch 'Wellbeing by PS' Initiative

Pineapple Support has announced its Wellbeing by PS initiative, naming new team member Amber Madden to head the project.

Playboy Wins $81 Million Judgment in Chinese Licensing Arbitration

Playboy Inc. was awarded $81 million in damages on Monday by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, in a licensing dispute with former partner New Handong Investment (Guangdong) Co. Ltd.

Show More