BT Internet filter gives parents option to block 'gay and lesbian lifestyle' content The revelation comes as the communication giant has already come under fire this week following a BBC investigation which revealed that the default option on the firm's new filter blocked a number of sex education and domestic violence victim support sites. However, as well as education and helpline sites falling victim to over-blocking by the new system, BT also lists sex education as a filter category, meaning that homeowners can actively prevent a wide range of sites that could provide "vital support" to young people from being accessed. "The Internet is a vital gateway for many young people, especially lesbian, gay and bisexual young people," Ruth Hunt, Deputy Chief Executive of LGBT rights charity Stonewall told The Independent. Anything that prevents them from accessing vital support poses a threat to their wellbeing. We hope organisations like BT will make every effort to ensure that everyone can access much needed information. BT launched its new filter, designed to provide extra protection to children online, earlier this week. Under the new system all new customers will be required to choose a filter level, or to opt out. Current users will be contacted in 2014 and asked to decide whether or not they want to set up the new service. Following the BBC findings that the filter blocked sites including Sexual Health Scotland, Doncaster Domestic Abuse Helpline, and Reducing The Risk. A BT spokesman said: "Categorisations are constantly updated to keep pace with changing content on the Internet and we will investigate any concerns and make changes as necessary. BT Parental Controls can be customised to suit each individual family's needs. The move follows extensive pressure from the Government on the country's big four internet service providers - BT, Virgin, Sky and TalkTalk - to implement a "default on" filter policy. Sky launched its parental filter last month, Virgin is currently piloting a system that will be rolled out in 2014 and TalkTalk has had a filter, lauded by David Cameron, in place since 2011. BT's filter has 17 blocking categories which cover topics including drugs, gambling, games, social networking, self harm and fashion.