By Will Sturgeon, 26 October 2005 17:05
NEWS
A Labour MP is intent on forcing ISPs to block access to websites which contain images of child pornography.
Margaret Moran, MP for Luton South, today used a Ten Minute Bill ruling to get the issue on the agenda and is claiming support on both sides of the House.
Speaking to silicon.com she said the reading had gone "very well" and hopes it will set in motion a pressure campaign to force the hands of ISPs to state whether they block sites offering images of child pornography.
Moran told silicon.com: "I will soon meet with the Internet Watch Foundation to establish a list of ISPs who are slow learners. I am all for the freedom of the net but I fail to understand why some ISPs aren't using the technology which exists.
"These sites have content which is illegal and we all have a responsibility to stop this vile, exploitative trade."
Although a number of large ISPs already say they have blocks and measures in place to restrict access to illegal content, Moran says she is willing to name and shame any who do not do so.
Moran said she is willing to push for measures which would force ISPs to declare the fact they block such access, either on their website or in their annual reports.
She added: "I think these slow learners have to be reassured that we will not rest until these measures are in place."
Moran said she doesn't expect too much opposition to the bill but said she hopes the strongest measures won't be necessary.
She told silicon.com: "I hope the industry sees this as a wake-up call because soon it will be too late for self-regulation."
Comments
There are 4 comments. Join the discussion
1. Craig
Why stop at child pornography? ISPs should state whether they block access to know terrorist related websites, organised crime, oppressive regimes, even phishing scam sites...
Personally I think the fight against child abuse should be directed at the source, not one of it's many distribution channels.
2. anonymous
I agree totally on the ban on child porn and those who show this kind of stuff should be put to justice including the ISP's that allow it to go on right under their noses. I was searching for furniture and was taken to a porn site of which I informed the ISP. This kind of stuff shows no morals and total disreguard for human life and the innocense of our children. It encourages these disillusioned adults in their sick fantasies.
3. anonymous
This is a really dumb idea. Let’s make it really easy to identify ISPs where you can access child porn. Although I suppose that experienced paedophiles will know where to look, newcomers and those just curious will find it easier to choose the ‘right’ ISP.
It should be mandatory to take all reasonable steps to block this ‘vile trade’, with serious penalties for failing to do so, including closing down the business. If it’s illegal for someone to have these images on their PC, it should be illegal for ISPs to transmit them, which must involve the images being on their equipment at some point.
4. anonymous
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