There have been some changes at h2g2 since my last column. The one
that generated the most discussion was the activation of a content
filter programmed to block posts containing profanity and other
objectionable language. This is a BBC policy that is being
implemented on other BBC hosted discussion boards boards, so we
weren't singled out like naughty children. The announcement was made,
and we were all given the opportunity to voice our opinions. But it
was clearly a done deal.

This isn't going to be a rant against the evils of censorship,
although as a public library director I have very strong opinions on
the subject. And in light of the fact that I use content filters
mandated by both federal and state law on public access work stations
in the library to block pornography, it would be rather hypocritical
for me to object to their use by the BBC. Anyway, I've already said
what I had to say elsewhere.

The reason I brought up the subject is because I genuinely understand
how difficult it is to make decisions that involve freedom of speech
and the press on the one hand and corporate responsibility on the
other. A recent incident at my library has forced me to further
restrict access to the public. Unlike many public libraries I have
always permitted use of Instant Messaging in our public access labs.
My reasoning is that if a patron wants to spend their allotted hour
playing poker or looking up stock quotes or chatting with their
friends, it's their hour.

Last week we accidentally learned - thank heavens we learned - that a
twelve year old girl was being pursued by a paedophile, who was not
only contacting her at specified times through Instant Messaging at
the library, but who was also telephoning her at the library and
planned to use the library as a pick up point.

My job is not to provide adults with free, unlimited access to
pornography, so I don't feel a bit bad about blocking it on our
computers. In the same way, it isn't my job to protect children from
predators. My job is to protect the library from bad publicity and
lawsuits. All we need is for this girl, or any other child, to be
abducted, raped or killed by a paedophile and have the contact traced
back to the library.

Instant messaging and chat rooms are being blocked. After
investigating several software and hardware solutions, we have settled
on a hardware solution that can be installed on our web server. It
should have arrived and be installed by the time this column comes
out. I'm expecting a lot of complaints from those people who come to
the library for no other reason then chat rooms. They're just going to
have to complain. It's a done deal.

I suppose I'm sharing this to make the point that sometimes we have to
make decisions we would rather not make. Sometimes practical
considerations have to trump idealism. My patrons don't have a
'right' to chat rooms and instant messaging any more than they have a
'right' to pornography. Neither do h2g2 researchers have a 'right' to
profanity, hate speech, trolling, or spamming. So, let's get on with
it.

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