Italy's Far-Right Pushes Vote on Default Online Block for Adult Content

Italy's Far-Right Pushes Vote on Default Online Block for Adult Content

ROME — Next Monday, Italy’s Camera, their equivalent to the House of Representatives, is due to vote on a lengthy piece of legislation concerning wiretapping and several other issues. Simone Pillon, a representative from the far-right Lega (formerly Lega Nord, or “Northern League”) party, has inserted an amendment requiring all adult sites be automatically blocked by device manufacturers and at the ISP level, with subscribers having to call in individually and request the block to be lifted.

Pillon’s amendment passed the legislative committee last week and is heading to the Camera.

Pillon is known in Italian politics as an “ultra-Catholic,” and has tried similar tactics in the past against access to abortion and LGBT rights.

According to La Repubblica newspaper, Pillon’s amendment to the so-called “Wiretapping Bill” calls itself “Systems for the Protection of Minors From the Risks of Cyberspace” and demands “parental control systems” to be installed as a default, offered free of charge, and only to be deactivated at the request of the consumer.

The legislation makes the ISP liable for any connection that would allow free access to adult content.

The Lega is a minority party, but the Camera’s procedures and timelines ensured that those who oppose the proposal — considering it censorship — could not revise the amendment.

Pillon called the default parental block “the thing that is closest to my heart: the introduction of the obligation for suppliers of mobile phones, tablets, laptops, TVs and other devices to pre-install a filter free of charge to block violent, pornographic or inappropriate content for minors.”

"I hope that in this way the many children who, like mine, will now have daily access to the internet will be made safe, given the need for distance learning," Pillon told La Repubblica. "A small gift from the great family of the Lega to all the mothers and dads who want to protect their little ones from the dangers of the web.”

Italian lawyer and internet specialist Fulvio Sarzana told La Repubblica that the amendment will increase “the risk of merely favoring internet censorship” and mentioned U.S. and U.K. precedents where similar moves have been successfully challenged in the courts and public debates.

Stefano Quintarelli, an Italian expert who advises the E.U. on artificial intelligence, commented that Pillon’s proposed rule “is inapplicable.”

“Who determines what inappropriate content is? And how to filter encrypted content, taking into account that everything is encrypted on the web now?” Quintarelli asked.

Italy’s top female porn star Valentina Nappi expressed her concern on Twitter and added that Pillon's move might prompt her "to enter politics” to fight the Lega’s censorship proposals.

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

Eva Maxim, BranditScan Launch 'Killer' Promo

Eva Maxim and BranditScan have partnered for the Killer Creator Giveaway promotion.

2026 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees for Online Industry Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the online industry edition of the 2026 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 14 in conjunction with the XBIZ 2026 digital media conference.

AEBN Publishes Report on POV Trends

AEBN has published a report on POV and gonzo categories from its straight and gay theaters.

Joybear Pictures to Launch 'I Really Love' Studio Imprint

Joybear Pictures has announced that its new studio imprint, I Really Love, will launch in January.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Life Transitions' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group on navigating transitional and liminal spaces.

CamSoda Launches 'Trick or Tease' AI Companions

CamSoda has launched its Halloween-themed Trick or Tease AI companions.

Russian Lawmakers Call for Age Verification

Two Russian lawmakers have called on the country’s government to implement age verification for adult content.

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Penthouse Announces Digital Archive Launch

Penthouse Magazine has announced that it will launch a comprehensive digital archive in 2026.

Show More