re: Filtering Out Common SenseDan, this has been happening for a few years now. Here is one example of a partnership between Nortel and Websense. Vodafone implementation...there are a slew of others. So, why not have it on Mesh Networks?
I did ask the IWF if they had considered how to block such content on mobile devices (which, after all, are far more available to many more kids around the world than home PCs). In fact, because they asked me to, I emailed some questions about this to them. I haven't heard back yet.
Answer> By using user context information that can be dynamically mapped to policies that are used to filter http requests either against a local database, or via an "in-the-cloud" proxy service. Been doing this for sometime. Service works like this. You add your kids cell phone to your service plan and you have an option to block access to certain websites (sorta' like a NetNanny for cell phones). The SIM/UserContext of the phone which is used for authentication is dynamically mapped to the policies that parents have selected.
There are several reasons to block access to content on the internet, and filtering 3G networks does not involve pedophiliacs preying on kids, but kids surfing porn on their cellphones b/c they can do it on the family PC which already has filtering software on it. Let's call this "Parental Control" for lack of a better term.
With 3G cellular phones "parental control" can be circumvented by kids accessing data services on these devices.
The filtering of these devices extends "parental control" to the 3G network. Customers want this functionality b/c the providers have spent millions working with security companies to develop the methods to implement such schemes.
So, now my question back to you is does a MuniWireless network represent a circumvention of parental controls?
Through content filtering we have extended "parental control" in the home, on 3G networks, and in libraries/schools(through CIPA). So, why not on MuniWireless networks ?
http://www2.nortel.com/go/news...
http://www.slashphone.com/74/2...