Vodafone blocks child abuse websites
The IWF can confirm that Vodafone is using the IWF URL database of websites containing illegal child abuse images within a filtering/blocking mechanism on their internet content services.
Peter Robbins, CEO, IWF:
“ Firstly it prevents UK consumers from committing offences either inadvertently or deliberately, but secondly, the less people make demands for this sort of content, the less children will be abused around the world in the creation of these images. ”
In an environment where there has been much speculation around how the mobile operators will deal with the potential risks of illegal material being accessed via their emerging internet content services, the IWF very much support this move by Vodafone which demonstrates a commitment to ensuring their customers are protected.
This move by Vodafone follows the recent BT ‘cleanfeed’ initiative which also blocks access to URLS in the IWF database for fixed internet BT retail customers.
Paul Burstow (Lib Dem, Sutton & Cheam) has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) congratulating Vodafone and BT for taking measures to block access to child pornography.
EDM 1564: Blocking Access to Child Pornography
‘That this House congratulates British Telecom and Vodafone for taking measures to limit access to child pornography on their services; notes the success of the British Telecom Clean Feed system, which blocks up to 20,000 attempts a day to view websites featuring child pornography; further notes that such schemes are an important method of tackling child pornography and child abuse; calls upon the Home Office task force on child protection on the internet to work with other internet service providers to encourage them to introduce similar schemes; and calls on other telecommunications companies to follow Vodafone's lead in the mobile internet field.’
All the UK mobile operators are members of the IWF, as are mobile manufacturers, Nokia and Samsung. IWF contributed to the Mobile Operators Code of Practice which reviewed safety & responsibility issues over the future development of 3rd generation mobile services.
IWF provide the same reporting & take down procedures for mobile internet as advocated & promoted for child abuse & illegal images downloaded via PC’s.
There is also an IWF WAP site service so mobile phone users can easily report any illegal content they may inadvertently be exposed to.
If and when illegal content appears on the services Mobile Operators make available, then the IWF will work in partnership with them, to have illegal content removed and to assist the police wherever possible to trace the offender.
Peter Robbins, CEO, IWF:
“ We are very pleased to be working with the Mobile Operators and for contributing to the formation of their Code of Practice. It is very important that there are safeguards in place to protect vulnerable people from potentially illegal content when using new technology. All the operators have acted responsibly and illustrated their commitment to keeping mobile internet safe. ”
Created: Fri, July 23rd, 2004 | Last Modified: Mon, October 18th, 2004
