Legal status Web blocking in the United Kingdom

the vast majority of internet access provided wi-fi systems in public places in uk filtered many sites being blocked. filtering done voluntarily 6 largest providers of public wi-fi: arqiva, bt, sky, nomad digital, virgin , o2, responsible 90% public wi-fi. filtering introduced result of agreement put in place in november 2013 between government , wi-fi providers. pressure government , uk council child internet safety had led virgin , o2 install filtering on wi-fi systems on london underground , mcdonald s restaurants, half of public wi-fi networks remained unfiltered in september 2013.

overblocking problem reported public wi-fi filters. research in september 2013 indicated poorly programmed filters blocked sites when prohibited tag appeared coincidentally within unrelated word. religious sites blocked half of public wi-fi filters , sex education sites blocked 1 third. in november 2013, there complaints blocking of gay websites not related sex or nudity on public wi-fi provided train operating companies. filtering done third party organisations , these criticised being both unidentified , unaccountable. such blocking may breach equality act 2010. government arranged uk council child internet safety investigate whether filters blocking advice young people in areas such sex education.