Web searches for child abuse images will be blocked for the first time by Google and Microsoft after mounting pressure. New software is to be introduced that will automatically block 100,000 "unambiguous" search terms which lead to illegal content.
Campaigners have warned that a crackdown by Microsoft and Google on internet searches for child abuse images will not stop paedophiles using the web to share photos and videos.
Shaun Kelly, head of safeguarding at Action for Children and a member of the UK council for Child Internet Safety said: "This is a positive leap forward in the fight to keep children safe online.
"However, we must ensure that this level of work is maintained and remains at the forefront of internet protection".
These are dramatic new steps which will make the internet safer and better for children, a leading Internet safety expert writes.
The search engines have stepped up to the plate - their reforms will help remove video child abuse content more quickly and comprehensively.
Former chief of CEOP Jim Gamble said the government must ask whether they are doing enough in the internet safety debate.