Civil Servants and Internet Misuse Investigation

Civil Servants and Internet Misuse Investigation 26th August 2004

IWF Response to BBC Story: Civil Servants in net porn probe

It was revealed today that more than 200 civil servants from the Department of Work and Pensions have been disciplined for downloading pornographic images at work, following monitored computer use over an 8 month period. The 2 million pages of pornography which were accessed were said to include some child abuse images. 16 people have been sacked, 1 prosecuted and over 200 had been disciplined.

The IWF is committed to a zero tolerance of child abuse images online and works in partnership to combat such content and minimise the availability of illegal material.

Peter Robbins, CEO, IWF:

“Whilst we do not know the full extent or exact number of how many child abuse images were said to have been viewed during this monitoring exercise, we would always recommend that companies have a stringent internet use policy in place which not only clearly outlines Acceptable Use guidelines but has very specific policies on potentially illegal material, with particular reference to child abuse images.

Every time someone views this type of illegal content, they are not only breaking the law, but are condoning the abuse of children and sustaining the demand for the creation of such images.

Internal procedures must be regularly explained and clarified to staff, including consequences for transgression. The personal and professional implications for both the individuals involved and the organisation are extremely significant as viewing illegal child abuse images can carry a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.”

Despite recent legislative changes introduced in the Sexual Offences Act (2003) which came into force as of May 2004, it seems the majority of organisations are still unaware of legal implications, liability and responsibility around internet use and especially potentially illegal images of children viewed or held on their networks.

The changes to the Act raised the age of a ‘child’ in indecent photos from 16 to 18 and also now provides a limited defence for staff in ISPs and systems management who may have a role in identifying and securing such online material for evidential and investigative purposes.

This legislation now provides clear guidelines around dealing with potentially illegal images of children on company networks.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) concerning Section 46 Sexual Offences Act 2003 is due to be released next month.

This memorandum identifies when protection will be provided to those using public electronic communications networks and services whilst helping to combat the creation and distribution of images of child abuse.

This memorandum has been created within the context of child protection, which will always take primacy.

For more information on the law in this area:
Guide to UK Law: Illegal Images of Children

Internet Watch Foundation

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