Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

MPs deluged by wave of hardcore e-mails

Nigel Morris
Wednesday 23 October 2002 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Computer systems at Westminster are to be fitted with special filters to stop MPs being bombarded with explicit e-mails.

Hundreds have received unsolicited messages, including adverts for hard-core pornographic sites, in recent weeks. Other Commons staff have been sent similar messages.

Commons authorities have dismissed suggestions that MPs are being specifically targeted, but the problem has become so acute that they have ordered emergency action.

The Tory MP Michael Fabricant, chairman of the Commons Information Committee, said: "It isn't just the content of these e-mails that many MPs find offensive but the sheer volume, which is blocking inboxes and preventing constituents from making contact with their representatives." He said he hoped a filter system could be installed within two months.

A spokesman for the parliamentary communications directorate said: "Most MPs' e-mail addresses are in the public domain, and can therefore easily be targeted by unscrupulous companies."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in