'Porn
on the Pod' Just Around the Corner
Former Federal Prosecutor, Gov't Consultant Warn Parents: Porn
Industry Targeting iPod Users
By James L. Lambert
January 20, 2006
(AgapePress) - According to reports inside the porn industry,
parents who already have to compete against earbuds pumping music
directly into their children's ears may soon be facing an even more
frightening opponent: pornographic images on video-capable
iPods.
Parents are being warned of the smut industry's effort to make
hard-core pornographic imagery available to users of Apple
Computer's iPod and similar portable video devices. The popularity
of Apple's new video-capable portable technology has driven porn
industry providers to introduce iPod-compatible video content.
Already there are at least three companies with divisions dedicated
solely to adult content for these portable players. According to
MacWorld magazine, Apple "already hosts an [adult-oriented] radio
show on its own podcast directory."
Porn industry insiders believe they can cash in on the new
technology by providing pornographic videos specifically matched
for iPods. David Joseph recently told Adult Video News that
"technology gives us the opportunity to provide this service. We're
calling this 'porn on the pod.'"
Patrick Trueman, a former prosecutor for the U.S. Department of
Justice, believes that "Apple has the responsibility to avoid
providing porn content." He stresses that "the public [should] turn
against them if they do not." Knowing that children are especially
vulnerable to the portable forms of transmission iPods can provide,
Trueman states that the government should require companies to
provide some sort of digital transfer management so parents can
control content.
When asked this week if they planned on providing such safeguards,
an Apple spokesperson responded with no comment.
Dr. Judith Reisman, a consultant who worked with the Commission on
Pornography in the mid-1980s, is equally as concerned as Trueman
with this development. Reisman believes "iPods will bring
pornography into the classrooms, sanctuaries, courtrooms,
hospitals, libraries, everywhere. It is well past time for
[government regulation] to catch up with runaway technology."
Other pro-family advocates are expressing similar concerns. Among
them is Tim Wildmon, president of the Tupelo, Mississippi-based
American Family Association, who says Apple needs to "demonstrate
corporate responsibility" to the families of America.
"They need to offer safeguard alternatives for iPod users," Wildmon
says. "By offering no comment, they show no sympathy to the
concerns of many American families."
Syndicated radio talk-show host Paul McGuire concurs. "Parents need
to understand that the porno industry has now declared all-out war
on your family and your kids," he says. McGuire is particularly
annoyed that the adult industry is targeting a technology that is
popular with children. "Parents need to be warned," he adds.
Bob Knight, director of the Culture and Family Institute, is more
emphatic. "This is a nightmare for parents who are trying to
protect their kids from early exposure to porn," Knight says. "In
terms of delivering smut, the hand-held gadgets are already making
the Internet look like a quaint, old steam engine.
"Parents need to know that they are potentially putting an X-rated
porn shop right into their kid's hands when they buy these
[portable video players] for them."
Knight summarizes by saying that "parents need to put pressure on
companies to offer tamper-proof blocking -- and Congress needs to
step in as well if the makers don't respond."
