Internet Watch Foundation

We launched our 2005 Annual Report at a reception in the House of Commons on 8 March. Figures from the report reveal that just 0.4 per cent of child abuse images on the internet are hosted in the UK, down from 18 per cent in 1997.

 

During 2005 the IWF processed around 24,000 reports from the public, more than ever, and reported a record 6,000 cases to the authorities of child abuse images hosted abroad. Now in its tenth year, the IWF is working increasingly with partner organisations overseas to share its dynamic approach and best practice.

 

The launch event was a huge success. Kindly hosted by Cambridgeshire MP Andrew Lansley CBE, Shadow Secretary of State for Health, it was attended by around 100 key stakeholders and the IWF received extensive media coverage on the days around the event.

 

MPs and Peers joined representatives from the police, internet and mobile industries and the charity and financial sectors to receive the report on the IWF’s work in combating potentially illegal content online. Many links were forged for future collaboration and many MPs who were new to the work of the IWF have expressed an active interest in our work.

 

Due to the extensive press coverage, the IWF’s profile has been raised a great deal – with the public; with policymakers; with industry and with associated organisations and charities.

 

Also worth noting is that the Hotline received four times the volume of reports the morning after the event regarding sites within our remit. Since then, numbers of reports remain higher than usual.

 

Other IWF departments have had increased numbers of enquiries - about how to donate to us, from organisations wanting to get involved in our work and from possible future members.

 

If you would like a copy of the report or any other information please do get in touch. Indeed, if you or your company can help us disseminate the report, are happy to put some at your office reception or would like to take copies to relevant events, we would be very grateful. Please get in touch with Lene to request reports at lene@iwf.org.uk.

 

To see photos of the event please click here.

For post event press release please click here.

To see an online version of the IWF please click here.