Internet providers to offer free site screening service
Communications Ministry instructs internet service providers to offer subscribers content screening, blocking services free of charge
Israeli Internet service providers will soon be required to offer their customers a selection of services meant to block harmful websites free of charge , the Communications Ministry announced over the weekend.
The new instruction applies to all internet services, including those focusing on cellular internet use.
Deputy Director of Engineering and Licensing Zion Cohen, who also signed the directive, added that the providers will also be responsible for educating their customers on the free protection and blocking services, and provide the necessary technical support to those wishing to block unwanted contents.
The new regulation will be enforced within two months, allowing for internet providers to file their reservations on the matter.
Under the term "harmful websites and internet content" the Israeli law includes mainly pornographic websites, gambling websites and websites that depict severe violence or racism.
To date, most internet provider offer users protection and blocking services for an additional fee.
Dedicated ultra-Orthodox internet providers are basing their entire business on their specialized screening services, and might be severely harmed by the new regulation.
