Charities still facing O2 mobile block

Several UK charities remain unavailable to many O2 users after a new age-based internet filter was introduced.

Last week we reported that a new filter introduced by O2 was blocking access to charities such as Brook and the FPA, both of which provide sexual health advice to young people.

An O2 spokesperson acknowledged that the filter had caused problems, and told us that changes were being made to the filter. Brook was told that the ban should be lifted within 48 hours.

However, today both remain unavailable to any O2 users who have not verified their age.

"We have approximately 10,000 people access through O2 mobile each year and growing fast. Since the beginning of March we've received barely 40 visits", said Brook's Juliet Hillier.

"Our site, and others provide a vital service to young people - including the Ask Brook helpline service (phone, web and text) which provides advice and support to thousands of vulnerable young people. Cutting off access to these sites is misguided, shortsighted and plain wrong", she said.

An O2 spokesperson tonight told Computeractive that the charities "shouldn't be blocked", and would be unblocked "ASAP".