UK network filtering

Notes on proposals for default web filtering for all UK ISPs. Both for pornography and piracy reasons.

Timeline

  • 2012-05-04: Reports that Downing Street has met with "creative industries" regarding net filtering, and will meet with ISPs to propose "opt-in" adult filters.
  • 2012-04-30: High Court orders that ISPs must block access to The Pirate Bay. Pirate Bay experiences surge in traffic.
  • 2012-02-??: Newzbin2 block extended to TalkTalk
  • 2011-12-??: Newzbin2 block extended to Sky
  • 2011-10-11: Four UK ISPs agree to "voluntary code" regarding online access to adult material.
  • 2011-08-11: David Cameron considers blocking access to Facebook and Twitter in emergencies.
  • 2011-07-28: High Court orders BT to use Cleanfeed to block access to Newzbin2.
  • 2011-0?-??: Voluntary Website Blocking Proposal text leaked
  • 2011-03-22: Rights holders groups propose ISPs adopt voluntary code for blocking certain websites (riots).
  • 2010-12-21: Communications Minister Ed Vaizey expresses support for "opt-in" network filtering.
  • 2004-06-??: Cleanfeed filter for child abuse images introduced by BT.
  • 1996-09-??: Internet Watch Foundation established.

Media

2012-05-04 Pornography online: David Cameron to consider 'opt in' plan
Source: Josh Halliday, The Guardian
Summary:
2012-05-04 Internet giants could be told to block porn as part of Downing St fightback.
Source: The Times
2012-04-26 Online porn: Now Labour joins battle for automatic ban on Internet giants 'exploiting children'
Source: Daniel Martin, Daily Mail
2012-04-19 ISPs torch UK.gov's smut-blocking master plan
Source: The Register
Summary:
2012-02-08 UK Minister says website blocking proposals “imminent”
Source: Monica Horten, IPTegrity
2011-10-11 Porn blocking: what the big four ISPs are actually doing
Source: PC Pro
Summary: Details what ISPs have agreed to do regarding adult content.
2011-06-06 Cameron calls for ISP-level parental censorship tools
Source: The Register
Summary:
2011-03-22 ISPs urged to block filesharing sites
Source: Josh Halliday, The Guardian
Summary:
2010-12-20 UK government wants porn opt-in
Source: Rob Coppinger, The Enquirer
Summary: Second-hand report of Sunday Times article in which Ed Vaizey pushes for "opt-in" network filters.