The BBC is planning to stream News 24 online within the next few months, according to various reports today.

Special technology will restrict viewing of the 24-hour stream - available for free via the BBC News website - to UK surfers only.

Although the web stream will essentially act as a simulcast of the broadcast version, certain sports clips will not be shown due to online rights issues. In these circumstances, web viewers will be presented with a message informing them that the content cannot be shown online.

The BBC is also planning to simulcast BBC Two online before the year is out.