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December 2, 2008 5:17:04 AM CST

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UK Cracking Down on Suicide Sites

Posted Jan 26, 08 3:45 PM CST in Technology,  Arts & Living,  World 

(Newser) – A spate of apparent copycat suicides in a Wales town has lead to a nationwide campaign against suicide websites, the Guardian reports. Rumor has it that seven recent suicide victims in the town of Bridgend knew each other, and noted each others' deaths on a social networking site. Police are probing for a possible link, as politicians have swung into action.

In the past seven years, 28 people have killed themselves after visiting suicide chat rooms or how-to sites. Several departments, including health, culture, and children, are investigating the problem, as the UK pressures ISPs to block sites encouraging or discussing suicide. The ISPs say their hands are tied unless the sites are illegal, so some advocates are calling for tougher laws.

Sources Times (UK), Guardian (UK)

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