Is South Carolina really serious on its intention to fight pornography or does the bill proposed by state representative Bill Chumley aim to make money only for the state? On the outset, the bill appears ready to battle pornography by the installation of digital blocking capabilities on devices manufactured in South Carolina.
However, it turns out there is a back door for pornography to enter because gadget-makers could opt out of installing digital blocking capabilities if it would pay $20 per device, The Charlotte Observer reports. The state could earn on both devices with or without the digital blocking capabilities because for buyers of gadgets with the porn blockers, all they have to do to remove the porn filter is pay $20. But they have to be at least 18 years old.
Battling Human Trafficking
The money to be earned from the scheme would be collected to fund a task force that would fight human trafficking. The Verge, however, points out that the legislation proposed by Bill Chumley to install digital blocking capabilities has very slim chances of becoming a law.
His proposal covers new computers, smartphones, tablets and other internet-connected gadgets which must have digital blocking capabilities, Digitaltrends adds. However, observers say the proposal could easily be bypassed by South Carolina residents by purchasing gadgets online.
Written Acknowledgement Of Warning
Besides the age requirements, to have the digital blocking capabilities of devices made in South Carolina removed, the applicant must acknowledge in writing having received a written warning of the potential dangers they face by removing the pornography blocker. Other than blocking X-rated content, the digital blocking capabilities cover online portals and websites which facilitates human trafficking.
The congressman points to the 1,330 calls and 308 cases of human trafficking received since 2007 by the National Human Trafficking Hotline as proof that it has escalated into a major problem in South Carolina.