New Law To Regulate Internet Access in Public Places
By Antonio Briceño,  Insidecostarica.com

The Costa Rican congress is currently studying a recent proposal that will regulate Internet access in public places, where this service is offered, such as Internet Café’s and Hotels.

The law will obligate providers to install filters and software on their computers that prevent minors from looking at websites that have pornographic content of any sort.

Adults who wish to use the Internet at any of these establishments, and do not want to have their searches filtered, will have to produce an identification document which certifies that they are not minors. In the case of foreigners, this document can be a passport or a driver’s license.

These filters can also be disabled if a minor is accompanied by an adult who can prove that their purpose for using the Internet is to research on matters regarding culture, science or homework for school.

The filters and software will also block websites which might contain material related to racial or national hate, home made weapons or incitation to hurt people for reasons of race, religion, origin or nationality.

In order for owners to purchase this software, the government will guarantee that it can be obtained free of charge or at a low cost, and can be tax deductible. Each place can keep up to 20% of their computers without these filters for the exclusive use of adults, but the computers that are subject to these conditions must be placed in an area that is not facing the units being used by minors.

According to the CIA World Fact Book there are over 800,000 Internet users in Costa Rica.

Congressman Alvaro Gonzalez declared “what we are seeking is, that in public places where the Internet can be used, children and teenagers will not be able to access sites which can cause any damage or harm to them.” He also added “the world is connected to the Internet and companies need to have access to it in order to be successful and gain access to new markets and technologies, but it is also true that many of us are concerned about the inadequate use that might be given to this very important instrument, specially in regards to websites that include pornography, which will do no good to our children or youth”

Sanctions
The law contemplates several sanctions for those who disavow its ruling, for instance if an establishment does not install the required filters it will receive a fine equal to the sum of 2 minimum salaries. If the restrictions are disabled or the access level is lowered, they will be fined with one minimum salary.

Lack of compliance with this law will generate a temporary closing of the establishment’s doors until they have chosen to abide by the law.

If the owner once again fails to comply then the permits for operation will be permanently revoked, thus having to close down the business for good.

These establishments will have one year to put these measures into practice, starting on the date in which the law is approved by the legislative power of Costa Rica.

Sources: Press Office Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica