Excellent news emerged from Downing Street this morning; the government is to begin a
consultation into the best way to protect children from harmful online
material.
The consultation will look at whether to
introduce automatic filters, which would see porn blocked as a default unless
users specifically opt-in to access it.
Also under discussion will be the less stringent ‘active choice’ which
would mean users had to make a decision whether or not to activate controls
when a new device or internet connection was purchased.
This is a significant step in the right
direction but it is important that we are not left with a compromise which
fails to adequately protect children. A
default block on adult websites remains the clearest and most effective way of
protecting children from harmful online content.
The UK has led the world in tackling
online child abuse with the creation of The Internet Watch Foundation and the
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. This is another opportunity for the country
to show the world how seriously the UK takes the protection of children
online.
As soon as we have further details of the consultation we
will update you so that you can have your say on this vital issue.
Further positive news emerged from Brussels today. In a draft series of proposals put forward to
make the internet a safer place for children, an age-based authentication
system that limits where children can visit online is suggested. In the draft proposal the European Commission
warns that neglecting protections for children could have a ‘profound impact’
on European societies. More details of
the proposed scheme are due for publication on 30th May, as ever we
will keep you updated.
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