Clarification of Internet Watch Foundation role removing criminally obscene adult content

Published:  Fri 7 Jun 2013

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) takes public reports of online criminal content through its website iwf.org.uk. The IWF’s remit includes criminally obscene adult content hosted in the UK.

If reported content is found to be hosted in the UK and potentially criminal under UK Laws relevant to IWF's role and remit – the IWF sends a takedown notice to the hosting provider.

The IWF is not able to take action if criminally obscene adult content is hosted outside the UK and has no role in blocking or restricting access.

Last year 3,320 reports were made by the public which alleged criminally obscene adult content. However, they were not hosted within the UK and therefore not within the IWF’s remit.

Ends

Contact: Internet Watch Foundation, [email protected].

About the Internet Watch Foundation

The IWF was established in 1996 by the internet industry to report criminal online content in a secure and confidential way. The Hotline service can be used anonymously to report:

o   child sexual abuse content hosted anywhere in the world;

o   criminally obscene adult content hosted in the UK;

o   non-photographic child sexual abuse images hosted in the UK.

For more information please visit www.iwf.org.uk.

CipherOwl joins the Internet Watch Foundation to prevent cryptocurrency funded child sexual abuse

CipherOwl joins the Internet Watch Foundation to prevent cryptocurrency funded child sexual abuse

CipherOwl has joined the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) as a new Member, bringing blockchain compliance intelligence directly into the global effort to eliminate child sexual abuse material from the internet.

13 March 2026 News
IWF applauds ExpressVPN initiative to tackle dedicated child sexual abuse websites

IWF applauds ExpressVPN initiative to tackle dedicated child sexual abuse websites

New Internet Watch Foundation Member develops purpose-built tool that effectively balances online privacy and online safety.

4 March 2026 News
Sycope joins the Internet Watch Foundation to strengthen protections for children online

Sycope joins the Internet Watch Foundation to strengthen protections for children online

The IWF has welcomed Sycope as a new Member, supporting its mission to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material online.

13 February 2026 News