Israel Set To Block Online Gambling Sites
3rd March, 2008
Israel are set to impose a bill that automatically blocks online poker sites, online gambling sites and online bookies , as well as sex and violence orientated websites. Israel steps towards censorship are widely supported but legal advisors have said that it is unlikely that it could be defended in court.
The bill aims to block sites so that parents do not have to actively stop their children from visiting them.
Although it is widely supported, the bill may not be imposed due to the fact that Communications Minister Ariel Attias, who himself supports the bill, has refused to provide a list of those “harmful” sites that are to be blocked. A committee made up of members of the Education, Justice and Communications ministries will decide which sites are considered harmful.
"This is a black day for the Internet community in Israel," said Rimon Levy, president of the Israeli Internet Association. "The law will not protect even one child and will force a sheriff on citizens- the Communications Ministry."
If the bill is passed, internet providers will have 60 days to comply otherwise they will have to pay enormous fines.
