BT Blocks The Pirate Bay

BT and other mobile broadband providers are blocking access to The Pirate Bay, as part of a "self-regulation" scheme.

BT Mobile Broadband users who attempt to access the notorious BitTorrent tracker site are met with a "content blocked" message.

The warning page states the page has been blocked in "compliance with a new UK voluntary code".

"This uses a barring and filtering mechanism to restrict access to all WAP and internet sites that are considered to have 'over 18' status," the warning states. It goes on to list a series of categories that are blocked, including adult/sexually explicit content, "criminal skills" and hacking.

It's not stated which category The Pirate Bay breaches, although the site does host links to porn movies.

BT's warning message advises customers to contact customer services if they want the block on the site to be lifted. The message also invites users to seek further information on the self-regulation scheme on the Internet Watch Foundation's website, although an IWF spokesman denies any involvement with the mobile filtering scheme.

All Mobile Networks
The self-regulations scheme includes all five of the major mobile networks. (BT's service is based on the Vodafone network).

The Code says that members agree to block even legal "adult" content on mobile connections, in case phones or laptops fall into the hands of minors.

"The Code covers new types of content, including visual content, online gambling, mobile gaming, chat rooms and internet access," the code of practice states.

However, it then goes on to state that "the Code does not cover peer-to-peer communications but it does give assurances to customers that the mobile operators are taking action to combat illegal, bulk and nuisance communications."

Pirate Bay's founders last week lost their landmark case against several leading record companies and now face a huge fine and up to a year in jail, pending an appeal.

BT says that it alone took the decision to block The Pirate Bay site. "BT and the other UK mobile operators have agreed and implemented a voluntary Code of Practise for mobile content that restricts access to content unsuitable for customers under the age of 18," the company claims in a statement.

"The list of sites and content that is restricted is compiled by individual operators themselves. The warning that BT provides links to the IWF website is for information on the Code only. BT customers who wish to have access to particular sites reactivated can do so by calling 150."