Letter from the BBC of 10th September 2004 confirming the blocking of UKCIA from the BBC search engine. Note this was a deliberate decision taken by the BBC and not due to the use of third party software.

For a scan of the original letter, click here

Text version:

British Broadcasting Corporation, Television Centre, Wood Lane W12 7RJ
BBC Information Telephone 0870 010 0222 Reception Advice Telephone 0870 010 0123

BBC Information

To Derek Williams
(Private address)

Our ref: 10398637

10th September 2004

Thank you for our telephone call (sic) regarding bbc.co.uk

I note that you are concerned that your website is not included in the BBC search engine. I raised the issue with one of bbc.co.uk's senior content producers who confirmed that the site is blocked. When judging content deemed suitable for inclusion in our search engine we are guided by our experience of users' expectations of bbc.co.uk. Specifically the search facility on our site is promoted as a "family friendly" service and it was felt that some users might feel aspects of your site did not match this remit.

Having said that, please be assured that you concerns with the current policy have been registered and added to a daily log which is made available to senior editorial staff.

Thank you again for contacting the BBC.

Your sincerely

Stewart McCullough
Editorial and Investigation Team
BBC Information

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