CI-Net adopts filtering technology to prevent users viewing child pornography

CI-Net to implement filtering technology to prevent viewing of child pornography web sites

ISP CI-Net is to implement a filtering service that blocks access to web sites containing images of child sexual abuse.

The service is provided by Watchdog International and based on NetClean WhiteBox technology.

NetClean technology is a blocking and filtering system described by a CI-Net spokesperson as: “cost effective and scalable. In addition, it does not require extensive internal management resources.”

Implementation of the service requires a configuration to the router. The technology is hosted externally to the ISP and combines Border Gateway Protocol, IP tunnels, deep packet inspection, a list of live dynamic URLs supplied by the UK's Internet Watch Foundation and a redirection mechanism to steer users away from servers containing child sexual abuse images.

If an end user tries to access – unintentionally or otherwise – a page containing images of child sexual abuse, they are confronted with a stop sign explaining why the page is unavailable for viewing.

The service means that more than 2,000 organisations and users of the network, including UK charity the Royal British Legion and Merseyside Fire and Rescue, can be certain that no child sex abuse images are hidden in their network.

Watchdog International has conducted research into the deployment of filtering services meaning fewer than 45 UK ISPs have implemented a system that blocks this kind of image.

Peter Milford, Watchdog International’s new UK country manager, said: "To date, the UK internet industry has had an excellent track record of fighting illegal content online, as shown by the establishment of the Internet Watch Foundation. However, Most ISPs still have no blocking system on their networks.”