The internet is abuzz with speculation that the Japanese government plans to order Apple and carrier partner Softbank to install content filtering controls for all iPhones sold in the nation.
Tech blogs and news sites have picked up on a Japanese report claiming that Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will notify the companies to implement filtering software as quickly as possible.
The ministry reportedly feels the existing parental control options for mobile browsing are insufficient to protect children, and may contravene Japan's strict laws regarding safe mobile internet usage for minors.
But Softbank believes installing filtering software for the iPhone would be impractical, as it would require users to share personal data including credit card numbers at point of purchase.
Apple has been involved in a long-running tussle with the Japanese government over 2008 incidences of exploding iPod nano devices. In August last year, Japan ordered Apple to publish a statement explaining how concerned nano users can receive replacement batteries under Apple's swap program.
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