News

[PSUs]

Thursday 14th November 2002

Internet child porn clampdown 12:49PM, Thursday 14th November 2002

The Internet Watch Foundation has drawn up a list of 76 Internet newsgroups it wants ISPs to remove from its servers and newsfeeds.

Of these, 51 sites 'regularly carry child abuse images' and 25 'appear to advertise or advocate paedophilia'. The IWF is not disclosing the names of the groups, but will supply them to ISPs.

The Government welcomed this initiative, as did the Internet Service Providers Association and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Home Office minister



ADVERTISEMENT

Hilary Benn said, that it, 'fully supports the work of the Internet Watch Foundation in tackling the growing problem of child pornography and other illegal content posted on the Internet. Child protection is of the highest priority to the Government and we welcome the new stance that the IWF has taken on newsgroups. There is no justification for any newsgroup containing or claiming to contain child pornography.'

However, an industry observer who did not wished to be named, expressed concern at what he called 'back-door censorship'.

'These newsgroups have been found guilty without the right of appeal. The decision will only encourage newspapers, pressure groups and politicians who have been urging tighter controls on the Internet.'

The IWF is funded by the Internet industry and aims 'minimise the availability of illegal Internet content particularly child abuse images'.

Simon Aughton

Submit to: Digg | Slashdot | Del.icio.us | Technorati