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17/09/2008
'Internet Suicide' Laws To Be Made Clearer
The laws on assisted suicide are to be reworded to increase public understanding and reassure the pubic they apply to the internet also, Justice Minister Maria Eagle has said.
Currently, under the 1961 Suicide Act anyone who "aids, abets, counsels and procures" a suicide or suicide attempt can be imprisoned for up to 14 years.
The Ministry of Justice says it plans to amend the law to ensure it is made clear it also applies online.
This in turn will help internet Service Providers police the sites they host.
Justice Minister Maria Eagle, said: "There is no magic solution to protecting vulnerable people online.
"Updating the language of the Suicide Act, however, should help to reassure people that the internet is not a lawless environment and that we can meet the challenges of the digital world."
She added: "It is important, particularly in an area of such wide public interest and concern, for the law to be expressed in terms that everyone can understand.
"We continue to work with the internet industry to look at long-term ways to keep people safe and without jeopardising our freedom of speech."
The review has been part of a wider government effort to tackle the sensitive and complex issue of suicide and the internet.
Later this year, the government is set to work with the UK Council on Child Internet Safety to consider the practicalities of restricting access to websites that are not in accordance with UK law and how enforcement mechanisms can and should be applied to online activity.
When notified British internet providers already take down any websites under their control when alerted that they contain illegal material.
They are also allowed to restrict access to harmful or tasteless material in accordance with their "acceptable use" policies.
(JM)
Currently, under the 1961 Suicide Act anyone who "aids, abets, counsels and procures" a suicide or suicide attempt can be imprisoned for up to 14 years.
The Ministry of Justice says it plans to amend the law to ensure it is made clear it also applies online.
This in turn will help internet Service Providers police the sites they host.
Justice Minister Maria Eagle, said: "There is no magic solution to protecting vulnerable people online.
"Updating the language of the Suicide Act, however, should help to reassure people that the internet is not a lawless environment and that we can meet the challenges of the digital world."
She added: "It is important, particularly in an area of such wide public interest and concern, for the law to be expressed in terms that everyone can understand.
"We continue to work with the internet industry to look at long-term ways to keep people safe and without jeopardising our freedom of speech."
The review has been part of a wider government effort to tackle the sensitive and complex issue of suicide and the internet.
Later this year, the government is set to work with the UK Council on Child Internet Safety to consider the practicalities of restricting access to websites that are not in accordance with UK law and how enforcement mechanisms can and should be applied to online activity.
When notified British internet providers already take down any websites under their control when alerted that they contain illegal material.
They are also allowed to restrict access to harmful or tasteless material in accordance with their "acceptable use" policies.
(JM)
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07 February 2012
Safer Internet Day Links Generations
Today is Safer Internet Day, a global drive to promote safer Internet for children and young people. More than 100 events in 30 European countries will encourage children, their families and teachers, to discover the digital world together. This is the ninth annual Safer Internet Day, celebrated in more than 70 countries worldwide.
Safer Internet Day Links Generations
Today is Safer Internet Day, a global drive to promote safer Internet for children and young people. More than 100 events in 30 European countries will encourage children, their families and teachers, to discover the digital world together. This is the ninth annual Safer Internet Day, celebrated in more than 70 countries worldwide.
02 November 2007
Resignation Call On Menezes Killing Verdict
Pressure is mounting on Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair to resign over the shooting of innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes. The force broke health and safety laws when officers pursued Mr Menezes to a Tube station and shot him seven times, mistaking him for a terror suspect.
Resignation Call On Menezes Killing Verdict
Pressure is mounting on Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair to resign over the shooting of innocent Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes. The force broke health and safety laws when officers pursued Mr Menezes to a Tube station and shot him seven times, mistaking him for a terror suspect.
19 January 2015
Mobile Customers To Share £1m Refund
Mobile provide EE is to refund around £1m to a number of customers wrongly charged VAT between October 2012 and October 2014. It is understood that EE customers who travelled outside the EU during those dates and used internet data were affected by the charges. The company estimated it as being about 0.5% of its customers.
Mobile Customers To Share £1m Refund
Mobile provide EE is to refund around £1m to a number of customers wrongly charged VAT between October 2012 and October 2014. It is understood that EE customers who travelled outside the EU during those dates and used internet data were affected by the charges. The company estimated it as being about 0.5% of its customers.
15 November 2013
Police Appeal For Missing Man From Hounslow
Police are appealing for information in tracing a 39-year-old male who has been missing from Hounslow since 4 November 2013. Ian Smith is also known to frequent Internet cafes in Richmond, Hammersmith and Fulham and Kingston. He has previously travelled to Scotland, Bath, Liverpool and Leeds. Smith is a white, 5ft 9" of medium build.
Police Appeal For Missing Man From Hounslow
Police are appealing for information in tracing a 39-year-old male who has been missing from Hounslow since 4 November 2013. Ian Smith is also known to frequent Internet cafes in Richmond, Hammersmith and Fulham and Kingston. He has previously travelled to Scotland, Bath, Liverpool and Leeds. Smith is a white, 5ft 9" of medium build.
18 November 2004
British Library boasts London's largest WiFi hotspot
The British Library has launched wireless Internet connectivity in the public areas of its building at St Pancras. The service offers wireless Internet access (WiFi) throughout the 11 reading rooms, the auditorium, the café and restaurant and the outdoor Piazza area.
British Library boasts London's largest WiFi hotspot
The British Library has launched wireless Internet connectivity in the public areas of its building at St Pancras. The service offers wireless Internet access (WiFi) throughout the 11 reading rooms, the auditorium, the café and restaurant and the outdoor Piazza area.
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