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Combating Illegal Content

The Internet is an incredible global communications phenomenon, currently used by an estimated 20 million people in the UK, and 400 million worldwide. It offers access to a prolific range of material and an array of communication methods. Its richness reflects what is available in the "offline" world, with the additional benefit of being only a mouse-click away.
 
Unfortunately, this reflection sometimes includes material that might be illegal or harmful. ISPA members are committed to working with both the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and Law Enforcement in the UK to ensure that such content can be dealt with effectively.
 
What is the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)?

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is the only recognised organisation in the operating an internet ‘Hotline’ for the public and IT professionals to report their exposure to potentially illegal content online.

Their aim is to minimise the availability of potentially illegal internet content, specifically:

The IWF works in partnership with UK Government departments such as the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform to influence initiatives and programmes developed to combat online abuse. This dialogue goes beyond the and Europe , to ensure greater awareness of global issues and responsibilities.

The IWF is a self-regulatory body, funded by the EU and the wider online industry. This includes internet service providers (ISPs), mobile operators and manufacturers, content service providers, telecommunications and filtering companies, search providers and the financial sector as well as blue-chip and other organisations who support them for corporate social responsibility reasons.

Through the 'Hotline' reporting system, they help ISPs to combat abuse of their services through a ‘notice and take-down’ service by alerting them to any potentially illegal content within IWF’s remit on their systems and simultaneously inviting the police to investigate the publisher.

As a result, less than 1% of potentially illegal content has apparently been hosted in the since 2003, down from 18% in 1997.

In partnership with many organisations, they strive to create continued awareness of the role and purpose of the IWF and aim to foster trust and reassurance in the internet for current and future users. 

For more information or to report a website visit www.iwf.org.uk.

ISPA members provide a 24hr point of contact to the IWF, which allows all ISPA members to be on constant alert to receive notices of illegal material which they then immediately remove from their servers. The IWF will then report the material to the relevant police forces, allowing further investigation and possible prosecution. 

All UK Internet users are invited to report any Internet posting they think may be illegal. 

If the material in question is not being hosted by a UK ISP, IWF will immediately notify the National Criminal Intelligence Service who forward it to the relevant overseas authority. In addition, the IWF inform the relevant hotline in the country of origin, often through co-operation with the Internet Hotline Providers in Europe Association (INHOPE).

I've seen something I think is illegal on the Internet. What should I do?
 
Anyone who comes across information they think is potentially illegal should contact the Internet Watch Foundation.
 
Simply provide a brief description of the material, where it can be seen www address or newsgroup including the title of the article, date and sender details) and the name of your own Internet Service Provider.
 
This can be done by e-mail or by completing the IWF online form.
 
What is the "notice and takedown" procedure?
 
ISPA members act on 'notifications' of potentially illegal content by the Internet Watch Foundation by 'taking down' the offending content.
 
Where can I get information about filtering & blocking software?
 
The ISPA Code of Practice states that members "should follow best industry practice in offering Customers Filtering Software". This includes providing guidance to Customers about the availability of tools which may assist them in filtering content which Customers deem unsuitable ("Filtering Software"). Ask your ISP for information on such tools.
 
Alternatively the IWF website provides information on labelling and filtering systems. IWF works with and supports the Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA).
 
Acceptable use policies
 
The ISPA Code states that Members "must include in their contracts with Customers a provision requiring Customers to comply with the UK law in using any of the relevant Member's Services."
 
Some ISPs also include "Acceptable Use Policies" in their service agreements, to ensure the confidence and safety of their subscribers. These policies are available for review at the ISPs' Websites, and are also included with any membership information.
 
Acceptable Use Policies typically include guidelines concerning libellous, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, threatening, abusive, or illegal behaviour online, as well as the use of the service to spread spam. Depending on the ISP, the consequences and penalties associated with this type of behaviour can result in privileges to temporary suspension, or even permanent termination of service. Some ISPs have also responded to the needs of consumers by offering their subscribers online safety services for free or at a discounted price.
 
Internet users should check with their ISP to determine what options are available.
 
Does ISPA set out any standards for its members?
 
ISPA requires all members to take notice of the IWF procedure, as set out in the ISPA Code of Practice. ISPA ensures that all members register with and provide a point of contact with the IWF in order to receive notices of illegal material.
 
Such notices from the IWF advise the prompt removal of specified material from web-sites or newsgroups which those Members are hosting. Provided they are technically able to do so, Members must comply with notices within a reasonable time and simultaneously inform the originator of the material if the originator is their Customer.
 
Please note that ISPs who are not members of ISPA have not signed up to abide by this Code. Check the full list of ISPA members here.
 
What about ISPs who are not members of ISPA?
 
Membership of ISPA is voluntary. ISPs who are not members of ISPA have not signed up to abide by the ISPA Code, and ISPA has no influence over their actions.