Government won't force ISPs to block child abuse websites

The Government has dropped plans to introduce legislation that would force internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to child abuse websites.

Earlier this year the Home Office was looking at introducing powers that would allow it to require smaller ISPs to implement filtering technologies commonly used by most major providers.

Although it has been estimated that nearly 99 per cent of all internet connections are prevented from accidentally accessing sites with images of child abuse, many smaller ISPs, such as Zen Internet have resisted implementing filtering systems such as BT’s Cleanfeed.

These ISPs have argued that the hardware needed is too costly to install and run and does nothing to stop those people who are determined to access these websites.

The blacklist produced by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and used by these technologies has also caused some controversy in the past, blocking a page on the Wikipedia website.

Now the Government has shelved its plans for legislation that were due to be outlined in the Queen’s speech in November.

The Home Office told Computeractive that it recognised the work already done by the internet industry to tackle the problem.

"The Government has been considering whether legislation was needed, but having reached the figure stated by Ofcom (98.6 per cent), feels that at present legislation would not be required as the efforts made by industry have been effective in reaching this figure," said a spokesperson.

However, it said it was still working towards 100 per cent of all consumer broadband lines blocking access to sites containing illegal images of child sexual abuse as identified by the IWF.

“We will continue to urge ISPs to implement blocking, and ask consumers to check with their suppliers that they have done so,” a Home Office representative said.

The news about the change in the Government’s plans appeared to have taken some of the major stakeholders by surprise.

When we called Zen Internet it said wasn't aware of the move and said the subject was “too sensitive to comment on”. The IWF likewise had nothing to say and we are waiting for comment from the Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA).

However, Sebastien Lahtinen co-founder of thinkbroadband, the independent broadband analysis and advice site said the Government's decision made sense.

"Legislation is not the best way to tackle problems on the internet as it cannot keep up with technology. It should be a matter for each service provider to decide how best to serve the needs of their customers.

"This does however mean that customers need to know what protection is offered by their service provider, so that they can make an informed decision about which package is suitable for them and their family.

"Everyone from parents to ISPs and the Government accept that we must act together to protect children from abuse and harmful content.

It is important not to confuse the filtering of child abuse images which are illegal for anyone to view, and content which may not be appropriate for children," he said.