Technology that can block access to known child porn sites
already exists, as BT showed last year when it trialled its
Cleanfeed system, which prevents BT internet subscribers from
accessing websites that have been blacklisted for containing images
of child sexual abuse.
In the first three weeks of the trial, BT revealed that it
managed to block 230,000 attempts to access the blacklisted
sites.
But Moran agues that, since then, with the exception of the UK’s
mobile phone operators, there has been nothing to indicate that
other internet companies are following BT’s lead.
Moran’s Bill would force ISPs to declare whether or not they are
using technology to block access to illegal material – putting
those companies that do not on the spot.
“People have asked why my Bill deals with child porn rather than
porn,” said Moran. “This is because I am not tackling the material
itself, but the way it is collected – through child abuse and rape.
By challenging ISPs to come clean about whether or not they are
taking steps to block the material, vulnerable children may, in the
future, have less to fear.”
However, the Bill is of a type known as a Ten Minute Rule Motion
– which gives a back bench MP just 10 minutes to pitch legislation
to the House of Commons – and, like all Private Member's Bills, is
very unlikely to become law.
According to the BBC, ISPs are also sceptical about the need for
the Bill, because many firms do already block access, while others
do not publicise the fact in case it encourages users to bypass the
systems.
