Stringent remedies against online criminals needed to support ISPs
ISPs tackle threats to personal security through educational and technical initiatives
Lords must support, not regulate ISPs
Monday 30th October, 2006
The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA UK) – the UK’s leading Internet trade association – believes users’ online personal security can be best protected through continued cooperation between the Internet industry, the Government, law enforcement agencies and end-users.
Responding to the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee investigation into personal Internet security, ISPA says that regulating ISPs is not the answer to online security threats such as viruses, spam and phishing. ISPA supports the current legislative framework with key components including the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and the Computer Misuse Act (CMA) but would welcome more stringent remedies against online criminals including spammers. ISPA also stressed the important role ISPs are playing through the provision of safety tools, guidance and education.
Since its inception in 1995, ISPA and its members have been committed to making the ‘net safer. ISPA continues to have a successful working relationship with government agencies such as the Home Office, and law enforcement agencies including the newly established Serious and Organised Crime Agency to foster a safer Internet.
ISPA’s members are committed to promoting personal Internet security
Many ISPs offer easy-to-use products like parental controls and spam filters to help their users protect themselves online. ISPs have demonstrated that they are responsive to online threats by developing products to protect users as new threats arise.
In addition, ISPA members are investing in educating their customers. ISPs provide advice and guidance on Internet security, such as avoiding viruses, preventing PCs from being hacked, and limiting and reporting spam. ISPA recommends that users explore the safety services and software available from their ISP.
ISPA also recommends that users should not select an ISP on price alone. ISPA research found that only one per cent of consumers prioritised the presence of bundled extras such as anti-spam, anti-virus, family friendly functions and other safety services when selecting an ISP.
Jessica Hendrie-Liaño, the Chair of the ISPA Council, said, “Many ISPs offer safety features such as spam and virus filters. Users can set their individual preferences to increase the effectiveness of the filter systems. All users and particularly those with children should make their Internet connection as safe as possible.”
The UK is leading the world in the development of a safer Internet
The UK Internet industry has an excellent track record of making the ‘net safer through self-regulation.
If ISPs were further regulated, it would only serve to stifle the innovation of ISPs in providing users with appropriate products, services and education programmes to protect themselves online.
ISPA created one of the world’s first codes of practice for providers of Internet services. One of the earliest self-regulatory ‘notice and takedown’ procedures in the world - where ISPs can remove unlawful content when they have knowledge that it is present on their system - was developed by UK ISPs.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) was the first organisation in the world created to address illegal online content - it was established and is funded by the UK Internet industry. The IWF reports that 0.2% of the illegal content the IWF is notified about is hosted on the UK Internet. The majority of such content is hosted in Eastern Europe and the USA.
ISPA has also worked with the Government to create the world’s first guidelines for providers of chat services.
The Home Office Task Force for Child Protection on the Internet is a joint initiative between the Internet industry, the Government, the Police and children’s charities. ISPA has contributed to the ongoing success of the Get Safe Online campaign (http://www.getsafeonline.org), an industry-supported, online campaign launched in October 2005 to help consumers protect themselves against online threats.
In February 2005, ISPA supported the world’s first ever coordinated, global sweep against spam organised by The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN). The sweep involved over 70 law-enforcement agencies across 26 countries and analysed a sample of 140,000 spam emails from trap email accounts. ISPA also supported a new website launched in October 2005 by EuroISPA to raise awareness of the dangers of phishing, and offer advice on how to avoid phishing scams (www.euroispa.org/antiphishing/).
ISPA’s next Parliamentary Advisory Forum (PAF) in January 2007 will bring together key industry players, government officials, parliamentarians and lawyers to meet and discuss personal Internet security.
Jessica Hendrie-Liaño said, “Just like the offline world, the online world has its hazards. Many online security threats are very similar to offline consumer threats. ‘Nigerian letter’ or ‘419 scams’ originated by letter and fax before emerging in email form, and ID theft can occur by simply taking letters out of a dustbin rather than just through phishing attacks.
“ISPs must be supported by effective implementation of existing laws which enable them to act to better protect their users’ security. It is also important that the nature of the Internet is understood and the success of the industry’s hard work to date is acknowledged. Personal Internet security must be a joint effort between the Internet industry, the Government and its agencies and importantly end-users.”
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Notes to editors
The views expressed in this release are those of the Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA UK) and do not necessarily reflect the corporate policies of the individual companies that are members of the Association or other organisations that may be mentioned in the release.
For further editorial information or to arrange an interview please contact the ISPA Press Office (020 7340 4535)
Online press office: http://www.ispa.org.uk/press_office/
Users prioritise price over quality when choosing an Internet connection http://www.ispa.org.uk/press_office/page_102.html
About the Internet Services Providers’ Association:
The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA UK) was established in 1995 as a trade association to represent providers of Internet services in the UK. ISPA promotes competition, self-regulation and the development of the Internet industry. For a list of members or other information about ISPA, please consult the website: www.ispa.org.uk