Nominet announces internet best practice awards

UK companies are leading the world in internet innovation

Online security and accessibility projects were the major winners at the annual Best Practice Challenge awards, and will be promoted as examples of excellence at the next international Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in November.

The challenge, which is backed by .uk registry Nominet, was created three years ago to showcase innovation in the UK's internet industry, and provide a shortlist of best practice projects to inspire other countries participating in the IGF.

Best security initiative went to the recently formed Business Crime Reduction Centre, an organisation set up to provide support and advice to small and medium sized firms in the south Yorkshire area.

Get Safe Online, an organisation dedicated to raising security awareness, was also handed a special award by the judges, who praised its good inter-agency relationships with the private sector.

ScreenReader.net, meanwhile, which provides tools to help the visually impaired to benefit from computer technology, also picked up an award.

"This year's entrants are of a high quality and show that the internet industry in the UK is leading the world in addressing important issues such as digital inclusion and safety online," said Nominet chief executive Lesley Cowley.

"We are confident that the other countries attending this year's IGF in Egypt will be impressed, and will be keen to find out more details about the Best Practice Challenge projects."

Alun Michael MP also praised the awards as a "great resource for the internet industry both nationally and internationally".

"Sharing this learning and best practice is what Britain's contribution to internet governance is all about," he said.