EC wins internet villain award

The Internet Service Providers Association (ISPA) has named and shamed the internet hero and villain of the year — the most eagerly anticipated gongs at its annual awards bash.

The internet villain of the year was awarded to commissioner Vivianne Reding and the European Commission, beating off very stiff competition from the US government and the BPI (British Phonographic Industry).

A statement from ISPA said: "Commissioner Viviane Reding and the European Commission received the award for foisting the most arcane set of rules yet seen for prior registration of dot-eu domains, requiring UK registered companies to submit legal affidavits to justify the authenticity of their business."

The internet hero award meanwhile was scooped by Annie Mullins, content standards manager at Vodafone.

ISPA said: "Annie Mullins received the award for her work with the Home Office Task Force on Protection of Children on the Internet and the European Union's Safer Internet Programme."

The Home Office itself was also shortlisted for the coveted "hero" award, along with Ofcom and former Ofcom chief executive Stephen Carter.

Other winners on the night included NTL:Telewest — now Virgin Media — which scooped the best consumer ISP award. Claranet won best business ISP.

In recent months, commissioner Reding has also won praise for her attempts to slash mobile phone roaming charges across Europe.