Iceland ISPs Considering Opt-In Porn, Gambling, Etc.

REYKJAVIK—They're just thinking about it. Opt-in porn, that is. Iceland's two largest ISPs, Vodafone and Síminn. Local news outlet RUV reported that they kind of like the idea of blocking problem sites, assuming the technical issues can be worked out. What technical issues? Who knows? Mind your own business.

A Vodaphone spokesperson, Hrannar Pétursson, reportedly said that it's all in the name of customer safety, and has nothing—nothing!—to do with censorship. Viruses and malware, Pétursson explained, are often found on porn sites, the implication being that they are more dangerous than mainstream sites. But are they?  

It's not a big deal, anyway. Customers can always ask the ISP to allow the "porn sites, gambling sites, and related sites" through. What "related sites?" Who knows, don't worry about it. Go back to sleep.

It all sounds rather mushy and vague. No formal decision has been made. Maybe they put it out there to see how people would react. Maybe they're hoping no one notices (or cares).