Self-regulation
Self-regulation
is the principle on which the IWF’s operations and structures are founded; it
is also the government and internet industry’s preferred method of regulating
internet content in the UK. Self-regulation and multi-stakeholder partnerships are at the core of the IWF’s model,
operations and success.
Our members are diverse and
join the IWF for many reasons. With around 100 members, we have a significant level of industry backing. Our Full members, those with the ability to take
down online content, include internet service providers (ISPs), hosting providers,
content providers, mobile operators and search providers. Our Associate members
include filtering providers, the financial sector, trade associations and
others who fund us for corporate social responsibility reasons.
Each
member nominates a representative to participate in IWF Funding Council affairs in order
to contribute to our policy development and strategic future.
This
model of self-regulation strives to meet the demands placed upon it by evolving
technology, industry growth and media, public and government scrutiny.
The
establishment of the IWF pre-empted the introduction of formal regulation of
the internet industry in the 1990s and the IWF has always worked to ensure the
right balances are drawn between freedom of expression and protection from
criminal content online.
Our
model has been recognised publicly: by the government’s Better Regulation
Executive in the National Business awards Better Regulation category;
and for raising industry standards in Nominet’s Best Practice Challenge. It is
also referenced as a good practice model for self-regulatory bodies by Ofcom 
.
For
information about becoming a member of the IWF please email: members@iwf.org.uk
