AMMAN -- A software programme to be available for Internet users by the end of October, will not only enable parents to deny their children access to pornographic websites but also those promoting gambling or containing undesirable content.
The UN-approved software, which was developed by Australian company TCG and given to the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology, is also expected to reduce the level of cyber crime in Jordan as it gives web users access to "clean Internet" and prevents access to websites that contain viruses, Trojans and other types of malicious software.
"Jordan is the first country in the world to try the software, which will give parents control over when their children can use the Internet and what websites they can access," TCG CEO Max Thomas told The Jordan Times in a recent interview.
"The need to protect teenagers from harmful websites is high worldwide. Societies, regardless of their religion and culture, face a challenge in how to prevent their children from accessing pornographic sites and others that encourage violence and addiction, Thomas said.
The software, which the government will make available to Internet Service Providers in the Kingdom, is currently being customised by TCG staff and the National Centre for Information and Technology, he noted.
"The software is being upgraded with help of Jordanian experts to take cultural and religious sensitivities into account," Thomas said, adding that the programme includes a black list of restricted websites and a white list detailing sites classified as safe for teenagers to access.
The TCG is a key industry partner to the International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats, which has a global partnership with the International Telecommunication Union.
"The lists... also enable access to websites that do not violate intellectual property rights...The software is just a tool to enable parents to control what their kids can watch and read on the Internet," Thomas said, adding that the TCG will open an office in Jordan to serve the entire region.
Parents interviewed by The Jordan Times on Monday welcomed tools that enable them to block access to undesirable sites.
"I discovered recently that my 16-year-old son views pornographic sites. Every day, when he comes home from school, he sits in his room and spends hours on the computer. I thought he was chatting with friends until one day I saw him watching porn," Um Husam said.
"I told his father who punished Husam and prevented him from using the Internet," she said.
"I am afraid my two other children aged 12 and 10 will start watching these sites in the future. Having a tool that blocks these sites is very important to protect them," Um Husam stressed.
Ziad Farhan, a father of four, shared her concerns.
"My kids use the Internet every day, especially my 15-year-old son Musab... I am afraid that he will start watching pornographic sites one day because his mother is busy all day and cannot always monitor what websites he accesses," added Farhan, a salesman in downtown Amman.
"It is important that Internet providers block these sites, which will harm our children."
© Jordan Times 2012
