Porn on Internet at public library
00:00, 11 July 2002
updated: 10:12, 11 July 2002
PORNOGRAPHIC images can be accessed on computers in the children's section at a Kent public library because there are no Internet filters on the machines.
Concerned grandparent Steven Woolley told the Kentish Express there was no way of stopping people from logging on to adult websites in both the children’s and adults’ section of Ashford Library in the town's Church Road.
Mr Woolley, from Charing, claimed library users are taking advantage of the lack of restrictions to look at illicit images. Kent County Council, which runs the library, admitted many of the machines do not have a filtering system to stop nudity, violence, sexual material or foul language being displayed.
But the local authority said people who do not follow the strict code of practice are stopped from using the machines. Mr Woolley said: “My argument is that if there is a problem the computers should not be allowed to be used until the problem is addressed. I’m livid about the fact it’s allowed to happen.”
KCC spokesman Christine Anderson said: “All users have to sign up to the terms and conditions of our acceptable Internet use policy, which clearly states that users must not access pornographic sites.
"Anyone who contravenes our policy is stopped from using the service. Filtering software will be installed shortly to stop access to these sites.”