Web discussions 'should not be censored'

25th February 2008

Censorship is not the way to curb pro-anorexa and pro-bulimia websites, it has been claimed.

Such sites - known as pro-ana and pro-mia sites - are the subject of debate as National Eating Disorder Awareness Week commences.

MP for Cheadle Mark Hunter has called for internet services providers (ISP) and social networking sites to be held accountable for the promotion of dangerous eating habits by their users.

However, a representative for Facebook told the BBC that unless a group or discussion violated its terms of use it would not pursue censorship as an antidote.

"Many Facebook groups relate to controversial topics; this alone is not a reason to disable a group," said the representative.

Mr Hunter has asserted that pro-ana and pro-mia websites help reinforce the misconception that eating disorders are not problematic.

The debate follows warnings from the government that ISPs could be faced with regulation if they do not work harder to stop illegal downloading.