Crackdown on internet porn may result in regulation of service providers

INTERNET service providers have been warned they face State regulation after it emerged that many have ignored a voluntary code of practice covering access to illegal or harmful material, including child pornography.

Children’s Minister Brian Lenihan, who has political responsibility for industry regulation, told a meeting of service providers that far too many have not signed up to the two-year-old code.

Of approximately 80 service providers, only 14 have signed up to be members of the Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland. The 14 help manage a hotline for members of the public to whistle-blow on potentially illegal material.