Removal of Criminal Online Content

UK

‘Notice and takedown’ service

The IWF’s ‘notice and takedown’ service is central to our existence and concerns the systematic removal of content within our remit from UK networks. Any content assessed by our Internet Content Analysts as child sexual abuse, non-photographic child sexual abuse images or criminally obscene adult content which is hosted in the UK is swiftly removed at source following a notice from the IWF to the hosting provider. This process is carried out in partnership with the relevant police agency to ensure any relevant evidence is preserved.

This process has operated since 1996 and is UK-wide. As a result the volume of UK-hosted child sexual abuse content has reduced from 18% of the total known to the IWF in 1997 to less than 1% since 2003.

International

Simultaneous alert service

This service is designed to significantly reduce the length of time that child sexual abuse content is hosted outside the UK by providing an alert to companies hosting abroad. The aim is to reduce the availability of such content around the world by facilitating its removal at source and minimise the length of time that web pages remain on our blocking list

The service enables companies hosting content outside the UK to be alerted simultaneously with the relevant national Hotline that child sexual abuse content (as defined by UK Legislation) appears to be hosted on their network. In line with INHOPE good practice guidelines, the protocol for IWF alerts and content removal are implemented in cooperation with the Hotline in the relevant country.

IWF simulataneous alerts are available to IWF members and non-member companies (through a specific IWL License) hosting content outside the UK. Please email members@iwf.org.uk if you would like more information.