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Delta to Block Porn On In-Flight Wi-Fi So Flight Attendants Don't Have To
Posted by John Mahoney at 4:45 AM on October 4, 2008
Where the open internet goes, porn follows; however, this golden rule is being re-evaluated for the friendly skies by Delta, who plans to filter web sites used on their implementation of Aircell's Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi service. While most of the early adopters of in-flight Wi-Fi have said they will only filter certain types of traffic and not web content itself, relying on flight attendants to handle case-by-case complaints of passengers attempting to join the solo mile high club right from their seat. Which they obviously weren't too happy about.
So unhappy that the flight attendant union began putting pressure on American to block porn content on their just-launched service (would you want to be the person to come between some crazy perv and his porn on a cross-country haul? Me neither). Delta is now planning to nip a potential flight attendant strike before things get out of hand. The filter, according to Delta, will be limited only to "sites that few, if any, would question are inappropriate to be viewed on an aircraft." [Atlanta Journal Constitution via Electronista]
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
Kayonesoft
Posted 5:24 AM 4/10/08
1) Make sure to preload your laptop with porn so you don't have to deal with the annoying block.
2) They should just leave it open and throw pesky violators off the plane. While it's still moving.
Kayonesoft
Luke
Posted 5:21 AM 4/10/08
@FightingChance: I've heard first-hand accounts flight attendants about how they have personally had to deal with crazy people on flights causing a ruckus, including people pleasuring themselves.
I didn't have any interest in hearing all the details about it, but it definitely has happened.
Luke
lpranal
Posted 5:20 AM 4/10/08
@Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another du...: This policy had one weakness: Storage media
lpranal
tande04
Posted 5:18 AM 4/10/08
@tande04: Forgot to mention that the cost of in flight wi-fi seems like it would make this a non-issue anyways. I don't see many people paying what is sure to be an astronomical price just to do simple browsing. Its geared towards the business set who needs something and needs it right then regardless of price.
tande04
blindaxs
Posted 5:16 AM 4/10/08
@ALT: Guess I just like Shock and Awe. It brings a smile to my face. Probably not after I get hauled off the plane and brought in for a strip search though...
blindaxs
tande04
Posted 5:14 AM 4/10/08
Stupidest controversy ever. Was this really that much of an issue before wi-fi on planes started up? You can buy porn in any airport book store I've been in but I've never seen anyone ripping off the green cover when they sit down on the plane. How did the flight attendants deal with that if it did happen?
I can understand why they caved to the pressure. Talk radio and TV were getting in on the act too so I'm sure there was other outside pressure besides just the attendans but if ever there was a mountain made from a mole hill this is it. Part of it is probably because there is still a section of the population that thinks all there is on the net is porn.
tande04
kiyoshiro
Posted 5:12 AM 4/10/08
@gerrylum: Touché
kiyoshiro
ripfire
Posted 5:11 AM 4/10/08
@johnnyabnormal: I can start to imagine why microprojectors are not such a good idea after all.
ripfire
Kaiser-Machead's LEGO WALL-E
Posted 5:10 AM 4/10/08
@johnnyabnormal: Can you even find that picture anymore? I heard it was so horrible, that people actually went to servers in black vans and destroyed them with axes to stop it from seeping through the web.
Kaiser-Machead's LEGO WALL-E
ALT
Posted 5:09 AM 4/10/08
@blindaxs: why has this crossed your mind?
ALT
gerrylum
Posted 5:09 AM 4/10/08
@kiyoshiro:
This is Gizmodo we're talking about here.
gerrylum
Kaiser-Machead's LEGO WALL-E
Posted 5:09 AM 4/10/08
"Mommy, how does that lady fit that in there?"
"OH MY GOD. Sir? Can you please turn that shit off?"
"Hey leddy, eet's a free country."
Good times indeed.
Kaiser-Machead's LEGO WALL-E
JEmlay
Posted 5:09 AM 4/10/08
Is this a problem with city transportation? Bus? MetroLink?
It wont be a problem in the sky either.
Media = Failure
JEmlay
kiyoshiro
Posted 5:08 AM 4/10/08
How the hell does a spelling mistake in the first sentence get past proofreading?
kiyoshiro
ripfire
Posted 5:08 AM 4/10/08
@phoenix27: Ahh, I see. I take back what I said then.
ripfire
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
Posted 5:08 AM 4/10/08
I've never invested in those laptop screen privacy overlays but this seems like a good way to test their effectiveness...
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
gerrylum
Posted 5:07 AM 4/10/08
Porn has never been a big problem in planes, and people have had the ability to view porn on their laptops WAY before wifi became available.
These flight attendants are making a mountain out of an anthill.
gerrylum
frigg
Posted 5:06 AM 4/10/08
Just as long as they don't block the Hats of Meat site, I'm good.
[www.hatsofmeat.com]
frigg
FightingChance
Posted 5:06 AM 4/10/08
Does this actually happen? Has this happened? I'm not sure I get it. In an airline seat you can't exactly masturbate. They're already uncomfortable enough as it is, for what reason would you want a hard on to make it more so? This sounds like 'crazy people put razor blades in candy' things, that has never been proven to have actually happen but someone threw the idea out there.
Can't they just use Websense or something?
FightingChance
johnnyabnormal
Posted 5:01 AM 4/10/08
That's it. I've had it. Tub Girl is my new screensaver.
johnnyabnormal
Kareem King
Posted 5:00 AM 4/10/08
Yet websites that instruct you how to build bombs out of everyday products goes unblocked.
Kareem King
blindaxs
Posted 4:58 AM 4/10/08
I think I will try watching some pron on my next flight just to see the reactions... Have my head phones on real loud and pretend to fall asleep... then yank the headphones out! Ok well maybe not... but it has crossed my mind!
blindaxs
phoenix27
Posted 4:55 AM 4/10/08
@purple-pillows: In a way, yes, the costs of all this technical support required to implement this system will be passed onto us, the consumer!
Yay!
phoenix27
phoenix27
Posted 4:54 AM 4/10/08
@ripfire: "Censorship is the suppression or deletion of material which may be considered objectionable, harmful or sensitive, as determined by a censor. "
This is the definition of censorship. Censorship is not affected by where it takes place.
phoenix27
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
Posted 4:53 AM 4/10/08
@gerrylum: Hah.. you beat me to it.
And yes, the pun was intended.
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
SgtToastie
Posted 4:52 AM 4/10/08
@gerrylum: They just place a large censored sticker on you screen at that point.
SgtToastie
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
Posted 4:52 AM 4/10/08
@Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another du...: *caught
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
Posted 4:52 AM 4/10/08
@Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass: Some people like doing it in public. They get excited at the thought of getting caugh..
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Posted 4:50 AM 4/10/08
nice legroom in that guys seat LMAO, been there, can't hardly open my 17" laptop, don't even open it. use iPhone instead and watch a movie etc. Jenna Jame.....I mean Star Wars!
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
Posted 4:50 AM 4/10/08
Ok, but how does this stop people from viewing pr0n already downloaded to their computers?
Coffee, Tea or Weeeeeeee................
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
ripfire
Posted 4:50 AM 4/10/08
@purple-pillows: This is not censorship. This is their "house" (or plane), their rules.
ripfire
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Posted 4:49 AM 4/10/08
Anyone that has to view porn in a public place is a freak anyway!
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
gerrylum
Posted 4:48 AM 4/10/08
ok... what about people who just bring porn DVDs or movie files on their laptops?
gerrylum
purple-pillows
Posted 4:47 AM 4/10/08
censorship... are we going to get charged for this too?
purple-pillows
Con Seannery
Posted 5:46 AM 4/10/08
@kiyoshiro: You know that accented e just makes you look pretentious, right? I mean, I'm sure the majority of us here know what you mean with "Touche", so the é just makes you look like a douche...
Con Seannery
Con Seannery
Posted 5:41 AM 4/10/08
@gerrylum: See, that takes pre-planning, whereas looking it up on the internet is more of a "I'm bored...PORN!" thing
Con Seannery
Con Seannery
Posted 5:40 AM 4/10/08
@phoenix27: But still, they should have the right to keep objectionable content out of the public place they operate, I mean, it's not like you can just LEAVE THE PLANE if you don't like porn in the seat next to you...
Con Seannery
ripfire
Posted 5:32 AM 4/10/08
@AlanR: No, it's FapFapFap Airlines.
ripfire
beekerstudios
Posted 5:30 AM 4/10/08
@Kareem King: Better yet how to build a bomb with items you'd find on a plane in plain sight!
beekerstudios
AlanR
Posted 5:30 AM 4/10/08
Is that FOB Airlines?
AlanR
diverguy
Posted 5:29 AM 4/10/08
Escuse me Stewardess...Is this a masterbatory flight?
diverguy
orphic1
Posted 6:11 AM 4/10/08
But how will I watch my soon to be made space pr0n?
orphic1
Bokusatsu_Tenshi
Posted 6:09 AM 4/10/08
@purple-pillows: It's a form of censorship. Because they also could make the rules clear and, in case of someone violating those rules, some sort of punishment would apply.
Exposing kids to porn is a crime, isn't it? I dunno anymore.
But I think this is just an example of how good manners and education are reaching new lows...
If we could trust each other not to browse porn inside a plane, I guess measures like those wouldn't be necessary.
Bokusatsu_Tenshi
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
Posted 6:08 AM 4/10/08
@lpranal: The solution. Your laptop gets a body cavity search.
Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude
Luziphir
Posted 6:07 AM 4/10/08
@purple-pillows: I'm very anti-censorship, but this is perfectly justified. First of all it's private property. Second, while I'm against censorship on TV or the internet in general where users can just "change the channel," you can't do that when you're sitting next to some pervert in an airplane. People have a right to not have to see stuff they find offensive, within reason, and finding porn offensive is within reason.
Luziphir
wingbatwu
Posted 6:03 AM 4/10/08
@gerrylum: I believe they get tasered and sent to enjoy cockmeat sandwiches at Guantanamo Bay
wingbatwu
DaiWalka
Posted 6:02 AM 4/10/08
Wow. Can people really not keep it in their pants for several hours at a time? I'd be using the Internet service for gaming possibly, or blogging, or something else. I couldn't imagine turning my head and seeing someone next to me watching "Good Will Humping" on their laptop. Seriously, save it for home or the airport bathroom if it's that difficult.
Man this country's screwed (no pun intended).
DaiWalka
DorkRawk
Posted 6:01 AM 4/10/08
There seems like a simple solution to this. Make it very clear that any passengers watching porn during the flight will be asked to leave the airplane immediately.
DorkRawk
theblackdog
Posted 6:26 AM 4/10/08
@FightingChance: Isnt websense what they would likely be using if they go through with this?
theblackdog
TBM-Fan
Posted 6:22 AM 4/10/08
the airline should create private rooms that will charge you much to use unrestricted pron access, then everyone would be happy
TBM-Fan
pitpawten
Posted 6:16 AM 4/10/08
@undefined:Yes, its still available
/curiosity killed the appetite
pitpawten
shamoononon has a hebetudinous dog
Posted 6:16 AM 4/10/08
@Con Seannery: douché
shamoononon has a hebetudinous dog
EricAlder
Posted 6:15 AM 4/10/08
"... before things get out of hand."
Don't you mean, before things get IN hand?
EricAlder
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Posted 7:33 AM 4/10/08
@Kaiser-Machead's LEGO WALL-E:
LMAO!!!! I don't agree with "PrOn on the PlAne" but that gave me a funny warm visual ;-)
Faslane Out
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Posted 7:32 AM 4/10/08
@frigg:
GROSS...but they aren't REAL meat hats, they are hats covered in meat, not Meat made into Hats, which implies they are made from meat. (unless leather of course ;-)
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Posted 7:30 AM 4/10/08
@FightingChance: Yeah, I call BS on the whole thing, maybe not the mile-high club or in the bathroom, but master-bating on a plane with others around in your chair????. BS. I just can't buy it!!!
You'd be too distracted mentally probably for one, and 2. you'd be ejected from the plane before you finished most likely if caught (that is, IF you were on the ground)
And people look at me when I board a lane with a dust mask and wet wipes in hand hahahahahahaha, I don't touch anything in public..and I used to wipe down shopping carts waaaayyyy before they offered wet-wipes to you. You know how much gross shit people do in cars?? Nose picking, scratching etc. etc. etc. And then they stop by the store on the way home?? Disgusting! Buyer Beware! I guess I'm a freak...for being sterile (on the outside anyway) ;-)
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Posted 7:24 AM 4/10/08
@Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another du...:
I know, FREAKS! That what i said!
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
dead_red_eyes
Posted 7:53 AM 4/10/08
I'd like to know what Airline that guy is flying on, as I would NEVER want to take a flight that fucking cramped. Yikes.
dead_red_eyes
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Posted 7:38 AM 4/10/08
@DorkRawk: even at 20,000 ft!
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
Posted 7:38 AM 4/10/08
@Kayonesoft: PrOn ejection seats.
Warning: ""Insert Airline name here"" Reserves the right to refuse service to anyone watching someone being serviced while on our plane or any other pornagraphic materials, and by flying with us today or any other day, you agree to these terms in which if caught in violation of you may be asked to de-participate in said actions or watching thereof, or be FUCKING EJECTED!" Thank You and have a nice flight"
That's how to do it. drag em to the cargo hold and hit the "release from existence" button flight attendants! I'm no prude, but keep it in your pants on the airline, no one wants to see you perverse actions while on a flight to sunny "vacationland"
Some_F-in-ShiT_Ass
purple-pillows
Posted 8:03 AM 4/10/08
@Bokusatsu_Tenshi: i dont really mind that they block porn, i wouldnt go to those sites when i am in a public place anyway (public meaning people i dont know even if its privately owned)...
i was just pointing out that we are going to be charged for something else
im just dissapointed i cant goat.se or lemon party a friend while he is on the plane
purple-pillows
D.E.P.C.
Posted 8:39 AM 4/10/08
@Jrsy is the dude, playing the dude, disguised as another du...: What's exciting about getting caught watching porn? "Yeah, they all know I'm a horny person that has a pregnant she-male fetish. OHHHH YEEEAAAHHH!!"
D.E.P.C.
D.E.P.C.
Posted 8:37 AM 4/10/08
@gerrylum: It's okay so long as you bring enough porn for everyone.
D.E.P.C.
D.E.P.C.
Posted 8:35 AM 4/10/08
@phoenix27: Censorship? Yes. Justified? Yes. You are made aware you can't funk up the plane before you buy your ticket. You can't then complain like they are taking something away from you -- because you entered a contract saying it was okay.
D.E.P.C.
D.E.P.C.
Posted 8:32 AM 4/10/08
@purple-pillows: At first I was like, "uwwww a lemon party sounds great." Then I saw the context; I'm guessing it isn't something I want.
In other news... My bluetooth keyboard is giving me problems. And I'm not talking about my mental ones, because those aren't related -- at least I don't think so. But boy, would that be a relief.
"The sky, it's so shiny..."
D.E.P.C.
Ellomdian
Posted 8:29 AM 4/10/08
If the flight attendants did their jobs like the old days and helped me with my... "problem" then this wouldn't be an issue.
Stupid unions.
Seriously, things like this deserve to be hacked in spite.
Ellomdian
purple-pillows
Posted 8:55 AM 4/10/08
@tande04: great point... i assume airlines dont want to be providing porn to their passengers... if you want to bring it on board that is fine
purple-pillows
D.E.P.C.
Posted 8:49 AM 4/10/08
@diverguy: "Am I in the no-masturbation section? DAMNIT!"
D.E.P.C.
D.E.P.C.
Posted 8:48 AM 4/10/08
@DorkRawk: Porn would start being sold with parachutes.
D.E.P.C.
D.E.P.C.
Posted 8:47 AM 4/10/08
@Kaiser-Machead's LEGO WALL-E: Why is your porn freak Scottish? I take offense, even though I'm Persian and the farthest thing from Scottish. I just like taking offense. I'm offended.
D.E.P.C.
johnnyabnormal
Posted 8:47 AM 4/10/08
I'm going to bring my laptop with a quicktime of "2 girls, one cup" and loop that shit (no pun intended) on full volume.
johnnyabnormal
purple-pillows
Posted 8:45 AM 4/10/08
@D.E.P.C.: yeah bro you should check it out or 'me at spin .com' is a good one too
purple-pillows
D.E.P.C.
Posted 8:45 AM 4/10/08
@FightingChance: It's only BS if you believe all people are sane and normal. Or that insane people some how calm down -- and get sane -- when sharing a confined area with hundreds of people.
It's like me saying, "I call BS on robbery because you would have to get a gun and be willing to scare people and be put in prison. It would never happen, obviously. No one would want to do that."
We live in a crazy world. Get used to it.
D.E.P.C.
Skeptical_Geezer
Posted 10:00 AM 4/10/08
And then SOME people might percieve normal biological functions not to be a dirty thing that has to be hidden away.
.
.
.
Not ME, of course, but SOME people (with a tip of the hat to Margaret Mead)
Skeptical_Geezer
Skyyboy
Posted 12:42 PM 4/10/08
@gerrylum: always remember the PSP (Porn Station Portable)!
Skyyboy
swpoison
Posted 12:59 PM 4/10/08
unless the guy next to me is spanking it I don't care what that person is looking at
swpoison
YeomanErmmph
Posted 9:07 PM 5/10/08
either they just leave as is and calm flight attendants down or start checking the laptops for any porn content as people will have it on their laptop and they will watch it. wifi or no wifi... In addition how about if someoe watches Basic Instinct, its no pron but its certianly hot... ;)
YeomanErmmph