Policies Emerge as In-Flight Wi-Fi Expands

LOS ANGELES — The airline industry would, it seems, have larger issues to address than the screening of in-flight porn. The industry has, however, decided that porn viewing by its customers warrants renewed interest.

Quick on the heels of American Airlines' reversal of its stated goal of "relying on passengers' discretion" to prevent inappropriate adult streaming aboard its fleet, other carriers have weighed in on their plans.

American and Delta are the only carriers that currently have operational onboard Internet access. Both now filter their content to prevent adult material from reaching passengers' laptops.

In-flight Internet access is, however, being adopted by several other major carriers, and each is addressing the question differently. According to an MSNBC.com article, here's how each airline will approach live online content on its jets:

  • American, Delta: Both will filter "to prevent inappropriate content."
  • Southwest: The low cost carrier is currently testing a Wi-Fi system and offers that they will be "filtering the Internet, much like you have a filter at work."
  • Continental: Current plans call for email and messaging applications only. If Continental does expand the system to include web access, they would "look at filters."
Two airlines that plan on unveiling onboard Wi-Fi have yet to formally announce their position on filtering.
  • Air Canada: Plans to install a limited system in mid-2009 and has yet to state how they will address content issues.
  • Alaska Air: The airline has a unique stance on its upcoming service. It plans on amending its service agreement with passengers that is printed on the back of its tickets. The statement will state that the service is to be used for "lawful and appropriate" use, squarely putting the responsibility on the passenger.
The only exception to filtering and content restrictions is Virgin America. According to the MSNB.com article, VA spokesperson Abby Lunardini stated that the airline "currently does not filter any content on its seatback touch-screen entertainment systems, and that the plan is to extend that non-filtering policy to Wi-Fi."

There is no word from any carrier or Internet access provider on exactly what will be filtered.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Sex Work CEO Debuts Upgraded 'GPTease' AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Canvas in-chat editing feature to its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Show More