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.
The search engine block on obscene images of children protects potential victims and does not compromise free speech, David Cameron's child protection adviser has told Daybreak.
Claire Perry was defiant in her support for the block, which will prevent images of child sexual abuse and links to obscene content from being published.
She explained: "I have met the parents of Tia Sharp and April Jones and they were just bewildered that people could put terms into a computer and have images that are illegal in this country returned onto their laptops or their computers, with, in some cases, awful consequences."
Ms Perry admitted there was an "ideological battle" to keep the internet censorship-free, but was adamant a line in the sand had to be drawn when it came to obscene images of children.
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.