SELF-REGULATION by internet authorities and internet service providers (ISPs) may be having some effect in combatting the worst kinds of online crime. Last year there were 10% fewer websites hosting indecent images of children than in 2007, according to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which deals with criminal internet content reported in Britain. Although a worrying 1,530 sites were in operation globally, this is somewhat lower than the peak of almost 2,000 in 2006, perhaps because of more effective co-operation from ISPs and better data sharing with international authorities. The IWF notes that domains are often moved around every few days, making it much harder to block them.

AFP