Government considers blocking online porn

Communications minister Ed Vaizey reveals intentions to block porn by default

The UK government is considering plans to block pornographic material from the web.

Communications minister Ed Vaizey is keen to implement a blanket block of pornographic material by default, with users having to ‘opt-in' if they want to view it on their PCs or devices.

He is set to meet with BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk to discuss how to change the way that pornography enters people's homes, in order to protect children from being exposed to such material on the net.

"This is a very serious matter. I think it is important that it's the ISPs that come up with solutions to protect children," Vaizey told the Sunday Times.

"I'm hoping they will get their acts together so we don't have to legislate, but we are keeping an eye on the situation and we will have a new communications bill in the next couple of years."

The move comes after Conservative MP Claire Perry called for ISPs to create an opt-in system to prevent minors from accessing pornographic material last month.