Internet Watch Foundation

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what discussions she has had with those hosting social networking sites on adopting mechanisms to prevent child abuse; (2) what discussions she has had with those hosting social networking sites on child protection issues.

Mr. Coaker: The Government are aware of the wider concerns that social networking websites have raised. Although they enable young people to share their interests with other young people, clearly there is a potential for misuse.

Some of the major social networking services have been invited to join the Home Secretary's taskforce for child protection on the internet. In addition, a sub-group of the taskforce, which includes representatives from social network providers, law enforcement and children's charities, has been set up to look at the safety issues for children caused by the development and growth of social networking sites and develop good practice guidelines.

Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the likely impact of serious crime prevention orders proposed in the Serious Crime Bill, if enacted, on the posting of child abuse images on social networking sites.

Mr. Coaker: We believe that serious crime prevention orders will make a significant impact in the fight against all types of serious crime. They will allow law enforcement to apply for orders which will put in place reasonable and proportionate conditions upon those who have been involved in serious crime, in order to prevent any future involvement.

We have ensured that contained within the list of serious crimes set out in schedule 1 is, among other similar offences, the offence under section 50 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (arranging or facilitating child prostitution or pornography). This will mean that it will be open to the applicant authorities to seek an order to prevent such criminal activity where an order would be effective and appropriate. This will not, of course, alter in any way our commitment to investigate and prosecute those who have already been involved in this criminal activity. These orders will be a means of preventing future harm before it takes place.

 

Source: Hansard 5 July 2007