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Pornographers often claim to have helped launch new visual technologies into the marketplace, from VHS videotapes in the 1970s to pay television and camera phones in later years.
In fact, many of the innovations that have become commonplace on the Internet – such as video streaming, fee-based subscription services, electronic billing and pop-up advertisements – initially were driven to a significant degree by the online porn industry.
However, the reason for pornographers’ embrace of these delivery methods has been the ongoing desire of their customers for maximum privacy, reflecting the fact that porn continues to be seen as detrimental both to the individual and to society. And parents, in particular, might be most concerned that online porn poses a threat to their children.
Pornography is an even more pervasive facet of the Internet than is online gambling. Data compiled by TopTenReviews Inc. indicate that more than 4 million Web sites are dedicated to pornography, with 68 million daily pornographic search engine requests and nearly $100 billion in annual global revenues.
In the battle against online child pornography, federal investigators have identified Web sites that provide access to such materials and then pursued the companies that were providing electronic billing services to these sites. The trail eventually led agents to data files through which individual subscribers could be identified, including teachers and others who regularly interacted with children.
Focusing on the financial partners of sites that violate laws might be an effective approach through which to protect children from potential predators.
Of course, parents must act responsibly as well. Modern content-control software or Internet filters can be used to restrict access by children to specific sites, peer-to-peer networks and chatrooms while also blocking pop-up porn windows.
Filtering can be activated by the URL address for a Web page, selected keywords or other triggers. CyberSitter, WiseChoice, ChildWebGuardian, Child Control, CyberPatrol, Safe Eyes, Net Nanny and Netmop are among filtering programs available. Most filters are affordable and relatively easy to install.
In addition, Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system includes parental control capabilities, perhaps eliminating the need to invest in additional software. And several Internet service providers such as AOL, MSN, Earthlink and Comcast provide parental controls to their subscribers.
Some filters also can monitor and maintain a log of the sites that are visited during certain times of the day, providing parents with a deeper understanding of how their children are spending their time on the Internet.
