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The Internet
The Internet is a world-wide network that provides electronic connection
between computers enabling them to communicate with each other.
Global
Online information and websites can be created, hosted and accessed from all
over the world, by anyone, at anytime.
There is a vast amount of data available on virtually every subject
imaginable and there is no doubt that the world wide web has changed the way
the world communicates.
The global nature of the internet means it is very difficult to formally
regulate it in the same way as other means of mass communication such as
television, radio or offline publications.
There is no central international body that monitors or approves internet
content before it appears online.
Content - use and abuse
A substantial amount of internet content available provides consumers with
an interesting, positive and educational experience, but because of the
freedom offered by the internet, combined with this lack of direct
governance by a central body, there is always the potential for misuse.
The proliferation of indecent images of children being sexually abused has
been a concern for many years. Whilst such images have, unfortunately,
always existed, internet technologies have, without doubt, allowed a far
wider dissemination of this type of content across the world.
Boundaries and regulation
Because the internet is not confined within any national or even
international boundary, the way that countries around the globe deal with
regulation of internet content is to apply their own legislation to an
internet transaction that takes place in their country.
Obviously, this creates disparity in laws governing online behaviour and the
control of internet content around the world.
For example, images which are illegal to view in the UK may not be illegal
to view in Japan.
Legal Framework
Each country has a responsibility to develop their own legislation that they
can apply to internet content within their jurisdiction.
Self or co-regulation through public reporting
As internet use in the UK grew and developed, it became apparent that to
protect UK ISP service from being abused through the posting and hosting of
illegal child abuse images and in turn, protect UK internet consumers from
being exposed to these images an independent, intermediary online reporting
mechanism was needed.
This would provide a notification procedure for UK ISPs who would be
alerted to any illegal content on their services, allowing them to then
remove it. It would also allow consumers a free public support service and
offer them reassurance when using the internet.
To be successful, this model would require co-operation and partnerships
across the internet industry, the police and the Government.
www.iwf.org.uk |
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