Campaigns to restrict Internet pornography in Iceland

London, May 27 (ANI): In an attempt to deal with the issue of pornography and children's exposure to the content through web, campaigners are appealing the government to introduce ways to block online pornography.

Those in favour of Internet criticize this attempt against the multi-billion pound industry as an infringement of the freedom of speech.

Former government in Iceland had issued proposals to limit porn. Ogmundur Jonasson, the former interior minister, who had proposed the change in the law, is adamant about tackling the issue that does not need to be confused with the freedom of speech.

In a report by The Guardian, Iceland tops the list of World Economic Forum's 2012 Global Gender Gap report and has earlier implemented significant legislation to regulate the sex industry. Distributing porn in Iceland is illegal since 1869 and highly sexualized images of women in advertising are also rare in Europe.

Attempt to limit porn was initiated by those working with women and children who witnessed the negative impact pornography has on children and also influences the sexual behaviour of young people.

Limited the access to web porn through blocked addresses, web filters and criminalizing credit card use for pay-per-view pornography has resulted in a divided opinion amongst people in the country.

The report added that gender equality classes are provided to schoolchildren in order to aware them about issues of porn and consent.

Guorun Jonsdottir, working with Stigamot helping victims of sexual violence said that porn hurts children, is hate speech and violence against women and affects people's relationships.

She said that the group would be writing to the new MPs to talk about the ban on porn.

Thorbjorg Sveinsdottir, a forensic interviewer and therapist said that a shift in child abuse has been noticed as a result of greater exposure to hardcore pornography.

The therapist added that the campaigners are not relying on one man to bring about the change but are relying on the power of women, the report added. (ANI)

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