Sky Broadband Flips Porn Filter Default Setting to 'On'

LOS ANGELES - UK-based Sky Broadband announced this week that it is shifting the default setting on its Sky Broadband Shield internet filter to the "on" position for existing customers, forcing them to decide whether they want to keep the filter enabled or disable it. In a post by Brand Director Lyssa McGowan to the company blog, Sky explained its rationale for the move. "We’re all aware that cyberspace can present security risks, and that the internet isn’t universally suitable for children," wrote McGowan. "Just last week Ofcom released a study that found parents’ awareness of potential online risks has risen since the first report in 2013. And at Sky, when it comes to online safety for all, we take our responsibility very seriously and we want what is best for our customers." The solution, added McGowan, was to "come up with a user and family-friendly approach to online safety" that they would start communicating to customers this week, with the goal of  ensuring that "no one misses the opportunity to benefit from better protection online." The choice for customers? "What we’re doing now is simply making sure that the automatic position of Sky Broadband Shield is the safest one for all – that’s ‘on’, unless customers choose otherwise." Sky says it wants people to use the Shield "in order to make the right choice for their personal circumstances," but adds, "Of course, with our diverse base of over 5.3 million broadband customers, we know some won’t want or need Sky Broadband Shield. That’s OK too." And in a nod that suggests they know making the default setting "on" will rankle some people who don't think it's an ISPs business to force such a choice on their paying customers, the company adds, "It’s better for people to make their own choice, but until they do, we believe this process to be the safest one."