Japanese government urges Apple to add content filtering to the iPhone
The iPhone is climbing up the ranks in the crowded Japanese mobile phone market, recently reaching the number five position behind Sharp, Panasonic, Fujitsu and Kyocera. The Japanese government is taking notice of this increasingly popular smartphone and is calling on exclusive carrier Softbank and Apple to install content filtering software in accordance with Japanese law. Japan's government requires mobile phone operators to install filtering software on handsets that are sold to minors to protect these youths from harmful website content. While the law does not carry any penalties, the National Police Agency still canvass mobile phone dealers to confirm handsets comply with this law. A spokesperson from Softbank Mobile responded to the government's request with the argument that installing censorware on the iPhone would be a difficult process. Stores would need to obtain personal information, including credit card details, from each customer before installing the filtering software on a newly purchased iPhone. Thus far, the Japanese government has not responded to this reluctant response. It will be interesting to see if Japan turns up the heat on Softbank and Apple to force compliance with this protective law or if officials will just let it slide.
[Via Mobile Crunch]
Share
Categories
The iPhone is climbing up the ranks in the crowded Japanese mobile phone market, recently reaching the number five position behind Sharp,...
Add a Comment
Actually, porn in Japan is pretty piss-weak. (I should know, I've lived here for just about 9 years)... Despite all the J-fanboism and otaku subculture, and mystique surrounding all things Japanese, many laws here are quite puritanical. You are not allowed to show girl & boy bits (breasts excluded). But anything South of the equator that's uncovered by "clothing" must be pixelated or blacked out...
Indeed, it's having access to the UNcensored stuff that's probably causing the fuss.
But again, having lived here as long as I have -- this type of punishment-less law is common here. (Kinda like the toothless law that forces anyone with a TV that has the capability to receive terrestrial broadcasts to pay a monthly fee for broadcast programming on NHK. When the NHK man comes knocking on your door to collect, just politely send him on his way, apologize, smile, bow, and state flatly that you refuse to pay)...
In other words, Softbank has better things to worry about than some stupidity that a few lawmakers have made it their pet project to address (probably from light pressure from their rapidly aging constituents). They will do what every large company here does. Smile politely, apologize profusely, bow deeply, repeat indefinitely, and get back to business as usual.
Um.., parents have the option to turn safari off. They can also download a third party browser with censors. I do not see it Apple's responsibility to offer any more than it does.
January 04 2011 at 7:47 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOne thing that was not addressed is h built in restrictions and whether that qualifies under the law as filtering
January 04 2011 at 6:25 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOn phones, but not computers? What's the point?
January 04 2011 at 4:50 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyThe phone is their computer. This society has their face stuck either in a book, playing a video game, or something on their cell while commuting.
I don't see why having a filter on a phone would make a difference since women here wear mini skirts, and magazines are everywhere. Maybe it's foreign porn they don't want kids to see.
"While the law does not carry any penalties, ..."
A law without a penalty is an absurdity.
ESRB? That's a self-regulatory organization, and the rating system is strictly voluntary.
January 05 2011 at 3:57 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replysure! in japan you want to filter out anything that is not porn.
January 04 2011 at 2:32 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply3 has a filter in the UK anyway. I don't see why they're asking the phone to be filtering and not the network.
January 04 2011 at 2:13 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyLike so?
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lightspeed-guide-browser/id367422068?mt=8
Deals of the Day
more deals- Used Apple iPad 32GB Wi-Fi Tablet for $200 + free shipping
- Apple iPod nano Multi-Touch 8GB MP3 Player for $100 + $8 s&h
- Cases for New iPad at HandHeldItems: Extra 20% off, $2 credit, from $3 + $3 s&h
- $15 Apple iTunes Gift Card for $8 for new Saveology customers
- Retro 80's Case for iPhone for $11 + $2 s&h
- HHI 360 Dual-View Stand Case for new iPad w/ $2 credit for $12 + $3 s&h
Software Updates
more updatesFeatured Stories
more stories
Popular Stories
TUAW (or The Unofficial Apple Weblog) is a website devoted to tips, reviews, news, analysis and opinion on everything Apple.
11 Comments