Internet Watch Foundation

Judy Mallaber: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the (a) internet service providers and (b) mobile phone companies who are using their technology to block access to child pornography websites; (2) what action his Department is taking to encourage (a) internet service providers and (b) mobile phone companies to block customers' access to child pornography websites following the Prime Minister's statement of 21 July 2004, Official Report, column 327.

 

Paul Goggins: We are working closely with the UK Internet Service Provider (ISP) industry, mobile operators and the Internet Watch Foundation as they pioneer solutions that will block their customers' requests to access websites that include child abuse images. On 6 September, Alun Michael (DTI Minister for e-commerce) and I had a meeting with CEOs, or their representatives, from all the large ISPs and mobile phone operators. Until recently blocking sites was not a feasible option, but with improvements in technology it is now, and we welcome the efforts and commitment of major players in the industry in developing blocking solutions. All the major fixed and mobile ISPs either have solutions in place, or are committed to having them in place the near future. Given the sensitivity around this issue, not all companies wish to be named. Government will continue to work with the industry to restrict access to child abuse images.

 

Source: Hansard 29.11.05