A new accreditation scheme called ‘Friendly Wi-Fi’ will show whether an internet connection is child-friendly and free of inappropriate content.
There is no known scheme in the world that’s similar to the new accreditation, which was first suggested by online community Mumsnet. Businesses can choose to opt in and show the logo at their café, store, or restaurant, so long as they block access to inappropriate websites, such as those containing pornography.
Ed Vaizey, communications ministers, says the logo will make it clear which Wi-Fi connections are safe for children to use.
“This shows that businesses are responding to government’s call to think about how they can help parents protect their children from inappropriate content online,” he stated.
Purple Wi-Fi is one of the providers supporting the scheme, reports itproportal.com. Company CEO, Gavin Wheeldon, is encouraging its partners and customers alike to get involved.
“We are committed to educating Wi-Fi providers about the need for safeguarding against inappropriate content being viewed over public networks and the importance of meeting minimum standards,” he said.
However, not everyone is in support, as free-speech campaigners see it as censorship, reports techweekeurope.co.uk. The Open Rights Group revealed earlier this year that one in five websites are blocked by UK Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
