ADSL Broadband
Best Broadband
Cable Broadband
Free Broadband
Fastest Broadband
20Mb Broadband
50Mb Broadband
Fibre-Optic Broadband
IWF changes stance on Wikipedia block
Wednesday 10th December 2008, by Daniel King
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has reversed its stance on the block of a Wikipedia page, which had an inappropriate image on it.
Originally put in place to prevent users from viewing the picture of a naked underage girl, the block also prevented UK broadband customers from editing the online encyclopaedia.
After appeals from Wikipedia, IWF invoked its appeals procedure and confirmed that the picture breaches the Protection of Children Act 1978.
Despite this, the context of the image, the length of time it has been in the public spotlight and its widespread availability has prompted the body to relax its ruling.
Consequently, the IWF has removed the Wikipedia page from the block list.
It also stated that any other publications of the image hosted abroad will not be added to the list.
However, any copies of the image hosted within the UK will be assessed in line with IWF procedures.
"IWF's overriding objective is to minimise the availability of indecent images of children on the internet, however, on this occasion our efforts have had the opposite effect. We regret the unintended consequences for Wikipedia and its users," said the body.
Wikipedia have been informed of the procedure and the decision made by the IWF board, IWF added.
This should bring about an end to the technical issues faced by internet service providers in the UK who implemented the block, which included Virgin Media and PlusNet, according to ISP Review.
Sky Broadband recently teamed up with Crisp to offer subscribers a service to monitor any inappropriate conversations or internet activity their children may be engaged in.
Categories: Broadband, Internet Security, Virgin Media
