With new mobiles devices turning up everywhere, on planes, on trains, in coffee shops and even in public libraries, it is almost impossible not to get a glimpse of what the person next to you is viewing. But what if what he, or she, is viewing happens to be pornography? Are you expected to just avert your eyes, or should restrictions be placed on pornography on these devices to protect the inadvertent viewer?
An article in the New York Times debates this issue. According to the story, a library recently installed 18 computer monitors with plastic hoods so only the person using the computer had access to the screen. This was in response to complaints from library patrons of people openly viewing pornography. Also, a bill has reportedly been introduced in New Jersey that would make it illegal to play obscene material in cars, such on back-seat DVD players, in order to avoid distracting, or offending, people in passing cars.
What do you think? Is this something that the government should get involved in? Or is a mobile device private property and it is up to the other patrons in the library - or in the next seat on the bus, plane or train - to just avert their eyes? Let us know what you think?
