HC Deb 02 March 1998 vol 307 c705
20. Mr. Dismore

If he will make a statement concerning the use of the internet to spread racist and anti-Semitic propaganda. [30358]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Government deplore the distribution of racist material via the internet. Provided that it falls within our jurisdiction, material passing over the internet is subject to the same laws as material distributed by other means.

Mr. Dismore

Is my hon. Friend aware that there are more than 600 anti-Semitic and racist sites on the internet, many of which promote holocaust denial? The internet is readily accessible to young people. Bearing in mind the transnational nature of the internet, will he take the opportunity of Britain's European Union presidency to raise the problem with our European partners and to work with them to find a way of tackling this growing menace?

Mr. O'Brien

Indeed, we are already doing that. We condemn such material on the internet. The National Criminal Intelligence Service has been in close liaison with other countries to combat internet abuse, and the G7 action plan on high-tech crime commits us to developing closer links to combat internet crime even more effectively.

Dr. Julian Lewis

Is the Minister aware of the related problem of defamation or libel on the internet? As he observed, the problem is one of jurisdiction. Does he realise that it is possible to defame people in the foulest terms and for them to have no remedy, if the internet service provider is situated abroad? When he undertakes discussions with his European colleagues on racism and anti-Semitism, will he also discuss the problem of defamation or libel?

Mr. O'Brien

The hon. Gentleman is right. It is increasingly being recognised what an impact the internet can have on the lives of all of us, and on crime and civil torts such as defamation. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary discussed these matters in December with G8 colleagues. As the discussions move forward, the international community will increasingly realise that the only way to tackle these issues is through international co-operation.