[Ir-l] Govt. to use Anti-Terrorism traffic data powers to "monitor" illegal content

[Caspar Bowden]

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200102/cmhansrd/cm011119/debtext/
11119-04.htm#11119-04_spnew4
19th Nov 2001

Norman Baker (Lewes): Every hon. Member will welcome any steps that the
Government can take to protect children using the internet and to clamp down
on paedophiles who seek to abuse the internet, but will the Minister reflect
on the powers that he and his colleagues seek to give themselves today under
the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill, which will allow the Government
to monitor and secure data from all internet communications, in pursuit of
any crime, including shoplifting and vandalism? In the balance between civil
liberties and protecting individuals, have not the Government got it
slightly wrong?


Mr. Bradley: The Government take child pornography extremely seriously. I
can tell the hon. Gentleman, first, that what is illegal offline is illegal
online, and we must be diligent in monitoring that. Secondly, we are
carefully

19 Nov 2001 : Column 17

considering the current offences associated with sex offences, particularly
"grooming", to see whether we should introduce a new offence of intent to
meet a child for the purpose of committing such an offence. We must monitor
such matters closely. Internet developments are extremely important. We must
ensure that children can safely use the internet, because of its great
benefits for them, but we must also ensure that they are protected. We
intend to do so by means of the sex offences review and other matters that
we are examining through the Internet Watch Foundation. We will continue to
work closely with the industry to protect our children.