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Story URL: http://management.silicon.com/government/0,39024677,39153689,00.htm

ISPs told to declare child porn blocks
Do they or don't they? Parliament may soon be asking...

By Will Sturgeon

Published: Wednesday 26 October 2005

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."