Your mention of deaf internet users reminded me of something a deaf friend of mine once told me. He said that technology, expecially text messaging and MSN messenger, have changed his life dramatically for the better.

However, I can totally see your point. It's a tough one. But you only talk about the burden on library staff and other library users (reduced bandwith, etc). What are you opinions on the actual reason for the proposed clamp down - danger to children from paedophiles, etc? Will this help? Is there another, less drastic, way to protect them?