Mumsnet or just FWR blocked due to content filtering on a public WiFi?

[arranfan]

Interesting claims from a Twitter user that Mumsnet FWR is blocked on her train's network: twitter.com/lisasevern/status/1036866383638876160

User writes: When you can't look at Mumsnet 'feminist' boards on the train because the content is deemed offensive, it brings home the reputational damage MumsnetTowers advertisers are risking ... Its just another hate site

Then a screenshot graphic that reads: This site is blocked due to content filtering

Now, I work in/visit places that use content filtering which mean I don't get to load sites that have users posting "bread porn" (lots of fellow bakers use this phrase which is a pest); similarly some filter out swear words/taboo topics. (I'm on US boards where I have to remember not to use the word "paddle" when discussing kayaking because that's got a different meaning in common use there and I get filtered for it.)

So - does anyone know, is it purely the FWR that triggers the "content filtering" block or, say, AIBU and other Mumsnet boards as well?

Sounds like a TRA lie to me.

No, Transpennine Express just doesn't let you on Mumsnet at all. There have been threads in site stuff before about it.

Mumsnet is blocked by some filters - my children wouldn't be allowed on it on their 'safe' network.

But it's nothing to do with trans stuff. It's been that way for years - and it's mainly because of the bad language. Mumsnet don't star swear words, and being adults and all, we're allowed to swear.

Also there is a lot of adult content here - we are adults after all - so there's a Sex Topic, discussions of porn, anatomical language, and so on.

No, it's nothing to do with FWR.

MN has fallen foul of content blockers on and off for yonks.

It's mainly because swearing is permitted, plus frequent discussion of bumsex at Centre Parcs etc

Thank you. It seemed more probable that the naming of body parts etc. is likely to be behind the content filter than anything else.

What a very odd assertion for someone to make. (Tho' now I've had a glance at the Twitter user's bio, it might seem as if particular cognitive biases are in play to fit a preferred narrative.)

I should think that advertisers' social media people are pretty savvy about the way content filters work.

I've looked up TransPennine's FAQ and it even states: we do not allow video streaming and catch-up TV from an external source or other services that require excessive bandwidth. ...You might not be able to access some of your regular apps too.

www.tpexpress.co.uk/travelling-with-us/train-wifi-and-entertainment/wifi-and-entertainment-faqs

Its fine on Southern Rail but a lesbian message board is blocked instead.

If they have a "these sites eat up too much bandwidth" block you won't be able to access Buzzfeed either, which has pretty much the opposite take on trans issues.

It's because I'm allowed to say cock, twat, anal, doggy style, fuck, shit, bollocks - so lots of public networks will automatically block access

Not because the train company has got some kind of magic Terf-dar that allows some bits of MN to be viewed on their networks but cuts off FWR as just to vipery for public access

My work wifi sometimes blocks the bbc site and NHS site due to something to do with medical content. The filters/blockers have a mind of their own sometimes.

Not surprised that Twitter used thinks the blocks are psychically in tune with what they dislike though.

Well, if Lisa S finds her way here she might learn something useful about content filters/bandwidth restrictions (it was only when I read TransPennine's FAQ that I realised that lots of train operators probably restrict bandwidth and data outside First Class).

Only possible, of course, if somebody is prepared to look around for answers other than those proposed by personal cognitive biases.

Ahh but a simple answer is so boring. It is much better if it can be part of a conspiracy, especially if it means something positive.

I expect they thought TransPennine would be on board with them, given how that franchise self identifies.

That tweet got answered:

·
4h
Replying to
@lisasevern
and
@MumsnetTowers
That’ll be the swearing.
And names of body parts.
You don’t seriously believe MN is blocked cause the system thought views expressed might not be to your taste? Really?

One does have to wonder why, if FWR is so full of hate speech, they would be trying to look at it?

Is there no fluffy kittens website to look at instead?