Parents 'can now block terrorist sites'

Tuesday, 18 November 2008 4:00 PM

Access to websites promoting terrorism can now be restricted by parents, schools and businesses through new filtering technology, the home secretary has announced.

Collaboration between the government and the internet industry will now allow web users to download software which restricts access to terrorist advocacy websites.

This software can be downloaded voluntarily and is targeted at parents, schools and colleges.

"Stopping people becoming or supporting terrorists is the major long-term challenge we face," said home secretary Jacqui Smith.

"It is reassuring that filtering software companies are taking the threat of on-line terrorism seriously and have developed the appropriate tools for all internet users. I would like to thank them for their hard work."

The government did attempt to restrict the displayed material that 'directly or indirectly' encourages terrorism, by passing a law in 2006. The law had little affects since the terrorist websites were still appearing online.

Tags:
• crime
,
• domestic policy
,
• policing and crime
,
• terrorism