Philip Mackay

UK

Private

This is a very dangerous move. Using the simplistic, emotional argument of protecting children, the credit card companies are being seduced into taking responsibility for "policing" the Internet. Aside from the civil liberties, human rights, and censorship issues, the authority of the Courts is being by-passed. If a person were convicted of child pornography offenses, surely it is a matter for the legal system to order the offender not to have or use credit card facilities. Another danger is that this progresses the argument for credit card companies to be accused of profiting from the proceeds of crime. If the government censors Violent Pornography too, how will the credit card companies deal with this issue? They are being lured into doing the government's and the police's "dirty business" with no benefit to themselves. Interesting - do the directors of the credit card companies really want the personal liability? Perhaps they should consult their lawyers before signing up to this dubious legal minefield.