The Met Fax.


On Monday 23rd September, the Metropolitan Police (acting with the support of The Internet Watch Foundation) contacted my web host, Webfusion (aka Host Europe), and requested that thinkofthechildren.co.uk be 'removed from the public domain'.

The reason? 'Several complaints' had been received from the general public that the site was 'inciting others to engage in mob violence'. There was no warrant issued. No form of official order at all. Just a polite request - which was immediately complied with. Much like a small puppy might comply with a request to 'roll over'.

Here's the fax they sent to Host Europe. Sorry it's a bit grainy - it is a scan of a fax of a fax after all. Thanks to Webfusion for letting me have a copy. And God bless the data protection act. (Click image for full size version.)

Fax from the Met - click for full size.

(click image for full size version)

Note: You'll notice that the fax only mentions 'a complaint' rather than the 'several complaints' claimed by the Obscene Publications Unit officer when I telephoned him. He also claimed to have spoken to The Internet Watch Foundation who supported his decision to close down the site. However, Peter Robbins, Chief Executive of the IWF denies that the police have spoken to anyone in his organisation. Someone is obviously misrepresenting the facts but it's not immediately clear who. I'll update this page as soon as I know.


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