Hull ISP KC Ready to Launch Network Level Filtering in June 2014

East Yorkshire ISP KC looks set to become the latest provider to introduce network-level Internet filtering (Parental Controls), which will give all new KC broadband customers the choice (as part of their set-up process) over whether or not to block certain categories of website / content (e.g. porn, dating, social networks, freedom of speech etc.).

Network level filtering means that related websites are censored on the ISPs own broadband platform, which would thus apply to any computers or devices that go online via your home broadband service. So far all of the major broadband ISPs, under Government pressure, have launched a similar solution.

Sue Helmont, KC’s Head of Spin, said:

“We take the issue of online safety very seriously and want to help our customers protect their families from online content they think is inappropriate or potentially harmful. We’re pleased to be able to launch the whole-home filter, which uses some of the best tools in the industry to allow parents to decide what’s appropriate for their families and give them the flexibility to block or allow online content accordingly.

In today’s highly digitalised world I find parents are crying out for guidance. They’re confused, and want to know how best to protect their children from content that can certainly disturb, mislead and unsettle if encountered too young. Parents can’t monitor every minute of a child’s online activity. These age-based filtering profiles will help parents by preventing their children from viewing developmentally disturbing and inappropriate content by accident.”

At present we don’t know precisely what day the new service will go live, just that it’s due next month. The usual caveats apply here, which is to say that children who go actively seeking blocked content will easily find ways around the filtering; especially if parents block services that allow them to communicate with friends instead of just focusing on the truly bad stuff.