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The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has been selected as a finalist in the UK ISP Internet Industry Awards.

The UK Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA), which hosts the awards, has chosen the IWF as a worthy candidate for the 20th Anniversary Award 2018*, which is one of three new awards added for 2018.

The IWF has been nominated for its work with the internet industry over the last 20 years and its success in keeping the UK internet clear of online child sexual abuse content. Less than 1% is now hosted in the UK compared with 18% when the UK was first set up in 1996.

The UK Safer Internet Centre, of which the IWF is a partner with Childnet International and South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL), has also been selected as a finalist in the Best Project or Partnership category, which is another new award for 2018.

Susie Hargreaves OBE, IWF CEO and UKSIC Director, said: “I’m so proud that the IWF has been nominated to win an ISPA award. Our analysts are world class and have worked incredibly hard to remove child sexual abuse imagery from the internet over the past 20 years. To have this success recognised by the internet industry is something which means a great deal to the whole team.

“Our work in the UK Safer Internet Centre is helping children across the country to stay safe on the internet, and the partnership with Childnet International and SWGfL has been fantastic. We’re thrilled to see the partnership be nominated for an award.”

Will Gardner, Childnet International CEO and UKSIC Director, said: “I am honoured that the UK Safer Internet Centre has been shortlisted for the Best Project or Partnership category in this year’s ISPA awards. This partnership of three leading charities allows us to help young people around the country to be safe online, as well as to help those who are supporting young people.

“Our work as the UK Safer Internet Centre grows each year, with Safer Internet Day 2018 engaging more supporters and reaching 45% of young people in the UK with real impact.”

The finalists for 2018 will be scrutinised by an “independent panel of industry experts,” while broadband ISPs, website hosts and VoIP providers must undergo technical testing.

The winners will all be announced during an event held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester on the 12th July 2018.

To read more about the ISPA Awards, go to www.ispa.org.uk/ispa-awards

*20th anniversary award 2018 is a trade mark of the Internet Services Providers’ Association, used under licence”.