Israeli attempt to censor the internet passes first reading

03.03.2008

Israeli politician Amnon Cohen's proposed bill to censor Internet content through ISP restrictions has passed its first reading in the Knesset by 46 votes to 20.

The bill calls for ISPs to block all gambling, sex and violence oriented websites, compelling any Israeli that wishes to access such sites to make application to do so. The measure makes it mandatory for ISPs to institute the blocks within 60 days of the law passing on pain of considerable punitive fines.

Not everyone in the Knesset is pleased with the progress of Cohen's legislation. Gilan Erdan, chairman of Knesset Economic Committee is concerned that the Cohen proposal could "...turn Israel into a kind of Iran." The Middle Eastern state is seen as having draconian laws.

Rimon Levy, president of the Israeli Internet Association said: "This is a black day for the Internet community in Israel." He said that it is doubtful that the law would achieve its intended purpose and would result in Israelis being pursued by the Communications Ministry in the role of a "sheriff."