HC Deb 07 November 2000 vol 356 cc127-8W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the self-regulatory approach in dealing with undesirable and illegal Internet content in the specific case of Internet chat rooms and their use by paedophiles to contact children. [136216]

Ms Hewitt

[holding answer 6 November 2000]: Illegal content in chat rooms is covered by existing law, and is dealt with by the police in the same way as illegal content in the off-line world.

The Internet Crime Forum sub-group on chat recently published its interim findings (http://www. internetcrimeforum.org.uk/chatwise.html). This group looked at potential means of addressing the problems with chat rooms. Their recommendations were that the best way forward was to educate users and increase awareness of the risks. They suggested further measures on reporting mechanisms and advice to users that service providers should take.

The self-regulatory approach employed by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has proved successful at regulating relatively static Internet content such as web pages and newsgroups. The IWF is generally regarded as a model internationally. However, Internet chat is ephemeral, and the IWF's remit does not specifically cover it. The IWF passes reports that it receives about chat rooms directly to the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS).

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if his Department was represented on the inter-departmental Internet Crime Forum sub-group on Internet chat services; when he will receive the report; and if he will make a statement. [136219]

Ms Hewitt

[holding answer 6 November 2000]: Both the DTI and the Home Office are represented on the main Internet Crime Forum panel. The Home Office is represented in the sub-group on Internet chat services, although the DTI is not.

The preliminary findings of the sub-group have been published on the Internet Crime Forum website, at: http://www.internetcrimeforum.org.uk/chatwise.html. I understand the full report will be published shortly.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he last met(a) Internet service providers and (b) web hosting services to discuss guidelines for the provision of Internet chat services with special reference to the protection of children. [136217]

Ms Hewitt

[holding answer 6 November 2000]: DTI Ministers discuss matters of concern with ISPs and others involved with web hosting on a regular basis. As Minister responsible for e-commerce, I last met a group representing the ISP industry on 25 May.

I also met representatives of children's charities earlier this year to discuss issues related to the safety of children on the Internet. As a result of this meeting, Government and outside bodies including the charities and the Internet Watch Foundation have developed a set of safety messages for children and their parents on the use of the Internet. These can be found on the Government's UK Online portal at: http://www.ukonline.gov.uk/sub—safety.htm#children.

In addition, representatives of the ISPs attend the Internet Crime Forum, a body that includes representatives from Government, industry and the police. This body, which covers Internet safety issues for children, last met on 26 September.