Home Office scoops "internet villain" gong

The Home Office picked up the dreaded Internet Villain 'prize' at last night's Internet Service Providers Association Awards for its implementation of the controversial RIP Act.

The judges said the Home Office had frustrated the industry by failing to rollout legislation governing the acquisition and disclosure of communications data - known as Part I, chapter II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

An ISPA spokesman claimed such delays made it difficult for the industry to make the necessary preparations for working with the new legislation.

But the Home Office disputed the award and called it "unfair".

"We were also nominated for best online safety for our good work on data retention and child safety but this award overshadows it. It does not reflect the good work that we do," said a Home Office spokeswoman.

She claimed the legislation would be implemented as soon as possible but not in time to meet its 4 March deadline.

The Home Office was beaten in the safety category by the BBC.

Roger Darlington, chairman of the Internet Watch Foundation, praised the BBC for ensuring its online activities were safe, secure and child-friendly.

Dixons spin-off Freeserve won the best national consumer ISP award for having enough network capacity to host five million customers.

AOL Europe picked up the award for best pan-European consumer ISP for providing a consistent brand and service across France, Germany, Sweden and the UK.

A full list of the winners can be viewed at http://www.ispaawards.org.uk