DOMINATION ; Censorship activists want Chinese-style controls over the world wide web [Ulster Region] [Mirror (UK)]

(Mirror (UK) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) FORMER F1 chief Max Mosley sparked outrage yesterday by suggesting a new Press watchdog "cut the wire" to websites that flout its rules.

Mosley's remarks were condemned by anti-censorship campaigners claiming it would turn the UK into a totalitarian state like China or Iran.

It came as the Spectator magazine boycotted Monday's hastily agreed Royal Charter for Press regulation and the Financial Times also hinted it might not sign up either.

Critics of online censorship say there is no way to punish websites hosted abroad that cover UK news.

But Mosley, who became a privacy campaigner after winning a court case against the News of the World for printing pictures of him at an orgy with prostitutes, claimed websites outside the country could be blocked if necessary. Speaking at a stormy Commons select committee hearing Mosley said that just six internet service providers carry 94% of web traffic in the UK.

He added: "Of course, in the worst case you can figuratively cut the wire. An order of an English court is enforceable in England in that way.

"I would not want anyone to think that it's not practical because it is." But campaigners Index on Censorship reacted with horror to his remarks. Spokeswoman Kirsty Hughes said: "Closing down websites is the kind of behaviour expected of totalitarian regimes like Iran and China, not the UK.

"Index has voiced concerns about failures to take the internet into account in discussions about Press regulation. We worry the Royal Charter will be used to chill the speech of online journalists." The threat of big fines already hangs over bloggers as well as newspapers which refuse to sign up to it, then step out of line. But last night opposition to the Royal Charter grew as Tory bible the Spectator magazine printed a front page simply declaring: "No." Editor Fraser Nelson said the new regulator amounted to "state licensing of the media - something we have not had in this country for 300 years".

He told the BBC: "After looking at the membership rules, it is not something the Spectator feels like signing up to." Ian Hislop, editor of Private Eye, also expressed concerns, saying: "Nobody can explain what the deal is. I have no intention of joining the current model until I have worked out how it works." Earlier Lionel Barber, editor of the Financial Times, criticised the way the cross-party deal was drawn up, branding it a "horse- traders' ball". He added: "This has not been a satisfactory process. We have not decided at the Financial Times whether we are going to join up with the new regulator." Hacked Off, the group fronted by Hugh Grant which demands tougher Press regulation, suggested compulsory controls could be needed if the voluntary approach fails.

But its members were scolded by MPs yesterday for not revealing the names of wealthy donors who bankrolled their campaign.

Tory Philip Davies said: "Hacked Off represents people who court publicity for all it's worth for financial return, but don't like the negative publicity that sometimes goes with it.

"Hacked Off represents the Hugh Grants of this world. They do not represent the free Press of this world." Voice of the Mirror: Page 10 FIREWALL OF CHINA China's State Internet Information Office is responsible for regulating access in the country. It is estimated 30,000 people work for the 'net police' We worry the Royal Charter will chill the speech of online journalists KIRSTY HUGHES CAMPAIGNER (c) 2013 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved.

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