cageymaru
Fully [H]
- Joined
- Apr 10, 2003
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CenturyLink blocked internet access to its Utah customers until they clicked a pop-up that advertised CenturyLink @Ease internet filtering software. Utah has a new law that requires all internet service providers (ISP) make known to their customers the existence of content filtering software for materials harmful to minors. Lawmakers say that they never intended for ISPs to block internet access to customers. The state code requires the ISPs to notify customers in "a conspicuous manner" by December 30th. Approved methods of delivery include "by electronic communication, with a consumer's bill or in another conspicuous manner." The bill's sponsor, Utah state senator Todd Weiler says that "SB134 did not require that -- and no other ISP has done that to comply with the law. They were only required to notify customers of options via email or with an invoice." A CenturyLink customer named Rich Snapp was able to take images of the notice.
"As a result of the new law, all CenturyLink high-speed internet customers in Utah must acknowledge a pop-up notice, which provides information about the availability of filtering software, in order to access the internet," CenturyLink's senior communications manager Courtney Morton said in an email. "The intent of the Utah state legislation is to ensure that Utah internet consumers are aware of content filtering options to protect minors. The statute provides for various options, but the method of notification is to be conspicuous to ensure the message is read. We felt, given the gravity surrounding the protection of this most vulnerable population, the most conspicuous method of notification is a pop-up," Morton said.
"As a result of the new law, all CenturyLink high-speed internet customers in Utah must acknowledge a pop-up notice, which provides information about the availability of filtering software, in order to access the internet," CenturyLink's senior communications manager Courtney Morton said in an email. "The intent of the Utah state legislation is to ensure that Utah internet consumers are aware of content filtering options to protect minors. The statute provides for various options, but the method of notification is to be conspicuous to ensure the message is read. We felt, given the gravity surrounding the protection of this most vulnerable population, the most conspicuous method of notification is a pop-up," Morton said.