11/11/2014

Internet Provider Agrees Garda Deal To Block Web Access

Internet provider UPC has agreed to block access to sites known to contain images of child sexual abuse, in a new partnership announced with An Garda Síochána.

It is understood that the internet service, which has almost 400,000 customers, will use a continually updated list of sites produced by Garda and Interpol. The list will contain URLs – web addresses – of sites known to host material showing child sexual abuse.

If internet users try, either deliberately or accidentally, to access a site on the list an advisory message will show explaining why access has been blocked.

It is understood that the memorandum of understanding signed between the Garda and UPC does not allow authorities to access any user data, or for customers information or sites they visit to be stored.

EU privacy laws do not allow the internet service provider to supply authorities with such information, unless a court order has been issued.

(MH/IT)

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