Internet Content Regulation: UK Government and the Control of Internet Content

Abstract

Internet content regulation with an emphasis on the existence of sexually explicit content remains one of the greatest concern for governments, supranational bodies and international organizations. The 1990s witnessed the proliferation of the Internet and the current concerns by the regulators mainly concentrate on the existence of illegal content such as child pornography over the Internet, and the access of (mainly) sexually explicit content over the Internet by children. This article will analyze the recent developments in relation to Internet content regulation and will argue that there is too much unwarranted anxiety about what is and what is not available over the Internet. Furthermore, the specific technical solutions offered within different foras for the availability of illegal and harmful content may not be the right solutions to pursue as there remains serious concerns for cyber-speech.