Putting Up Barriers to a Free and Open Internet

The Irish government has had extensive private discussions on introducing internet blocking — barring access to websites or domains — according to material obtained under a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The approach is used by some internet service providers (ISPs) and mobile network operators to block access to child pornography. But increasingly, governments and law enforcement agencies are pushing for much broader use, ranging from blocking filesharing sites to trying to tackle cybercrime and terrorism