Scotland Yard warns staff of using 'blacklist' likening it to being racist

London, May 7 (ANI): Scotland Yard police officials have banned IT staff in the MeT department from using the word 'blacklist' over fears that it may sound racist.

"IB (Information Board) are uncomfortable with the use of the term Whitelist (and I presume Blacklist). I am sure we can appreciate the sensitivity around the use of such terminology today so please ensure it is no longer use," The Sun quoted Security Services Chief Brian Douglas, as saying.

However, sources at the Met, where 20 officers are under investigation over alleged racism, regarded the decision as "bizarre".

"Do we really think these words are discriminatory? The truth is they're nothing to do with race whatsoever and are very common IT terms. Banning them won't solve any genuine problems the Met has with racism," a MeT official claimed.

The Scotland Yard clarified to the general notion by saying, "This is not a change in policy. It is a change in internal Information Communications Technology terminology which reflects a more appropriate use of language." (ANI)