Airplane WiFi Poses Sticky Situation

Airlines getting ready to offer Internet access are grappling with how to enforce netiquette at 33K feet. "We think decency and good sense and normal behavior will prevail," said the CEO of one service. If it's not porn or violent images, its annoying ringtones and loud conversations that can get in the way of a polite flying experience.

But some airlines aren't willing to rely simply on passenger discretion, and are blocking Internet phone calls; others are turning to filters to keep content appropriate. "Airlines have to be sensitive to the fact that customers are (seated) close together and may be able to see each other's PC screens," says Internet co-inventor Vincent Cerf. "More to the point, young people are often aboard the plane." (More airline stories.)