Internet providers block sites that host Christchurch terror attack video

It’s been a struggle for internet companies to contain a live streamed video of the Christchurch terror attack.

In light of this, internet service providers are teaming up to block sites which refuse to take down the video, echoing calls by police and government for people to stop sharing it.

A Vodafone New Zealand spokesperson said it was working alongside other large internet service providers in the country, such as Spark, 2Degrees and Vocus to “identify and block access to sites” distributing the video.

“In terms of how long blocks stay in place, this is an ongoing, industry-wide discussion we are currently working through with other agencies to help establish a longer term solution,” the Vodafone spokesperson told Mashable.

When the video is identified, the site is temporarily blocked and then notified with a request to remove the content. If they comply, the site is unblocked.

“There has been a number of sites blocked and then unblocked in this way,” the spokesperson added. 

“We apologise to legitimate internet users who may have been inconvenienced by this, however under the circumstances we believed it was the responsible thing for the industry to do.”

Spark managing director Simon Moutter tweeted on Saturday that his team had worked all night to ensure material would be blocked.

Australian telco Telstra also put a block on sites hosting the material on Monday.

“We appreciate that it is necessary to ensure free speech is carefully balanced against protecting the community – but with these sites continuing to host disturbing content we feel it is the right thing to do to block them,” the company wrote in a statement online.

“These are shocking events and the idea that this footage could in some way be used to incite or support hate is a sickening thought. We will continue to do whatever we can to assist and to support a diverse and inclusive community.”

Facebook revealed the staggering number of times users have tried to share the video, with 1.5 million videos removed by the social media company, as of Sunday. Of those, 1.2 million videos were blocked at upload.

In New Zealand, one person has been charged for allegedly distributing the video, which is deemed to be an “objectionable publication” under the country’s Films Videos and Publications Classifications Act.