ISPA MEMBERS SET NEW STANDARDS FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE AND USER CONFIDENCE
25 January, 1999
ISPA, the UK Internet Services Providers Association, has voted on giving Internet users an even higher standard of service. The new revised code of practice, released this week sets out improved provisions to guarantee Internet users a better deal from their Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Amongst the changes, the revised code states that ISPA members’ customers will be able to retain their domain name (Internet address) should they transfer to another ISP. It also advises ISPs to work together to deter hacking and to reduce the amount of spam (junk) email circulating on the net.
Other amendments include a recommendation for ISPs to inform customers about filtering techniques available to block out offensive material. The code encourages ISPs to ensure that their own material (off-line and on-line) is not indecent or unlawful; it also calls for members to continue to assist the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) in promoting the safe use of the Internet – and in particular to comply with IWF notices requesting removal of illegal material.
Finally, the new code requires members to comply with the new data protection laws and advises them to respect other codes of practice issued by established bodies such as the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS) and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
Janet Henderson, Chair of the ISPA Working Group which revised the code and BT’s Rights Strategy Manager, said: “Since the code was first published in 1996, there have been a number of industry, legal and technical developments and these are reflected in the revised code. In particular, we have incorporated the IWF Hotline procedure to ensure that our members act swiftly to remove illegal material once notified. I very much hope that the mandatory nature of the code (backed up by a comprehensive complaints procedure) will demonstrate the ISP industry’s commitment to responsible self- regulation, which in turn will boost consumer confidence.”
Tim Pearson, ISPA’s chairman and Director at Research Machines, added, “Our new code is designed to ensure Internet users get a fair deal. The ISPA logo can now be viewed as a seal of quality and an assurance of our members’ high standard of service.”
Ends
Notes to editors
1. ISPA’s new Code of Practice can be found on the ISPA’s main web site: http://www.ispa.org.uk/about_us/page_16.html
2. A Meeting was held on 25 January 1999 to vote on the new Code of Practice. Members were also given the opportunity to vote electronically. There were no dissenting votes.
3. The Internet Services Providers Association was set up in 1995 to represent companies in the Internet sector. It now represents approximately 90 per cent of the dial up market. A full list of ISPA members with contact details is available on ISPA’s web-site at http://www.ispa.org.uk
4. For more information, please contact Nicholas Lansman or Rachel Blank on 0171 976 0679