Blogs are normally vociferous in the defence of internet freedom but in the wake of the 14th suicide in Bridgend is now the time to look at the regulatory environment of the internet.
Internet users already expect protection from fraud and illegal content (such asextreme pornography, race hatred and child abuse) so why not take the next step by ensuring children do not have access to harmful content.
Currently eight Government Departments have an interest in internet content: DCMS, Home Office, Justice, Health, Foreign Office, Cabinet Office, Children, Schools and Families and Business and Regulatory Reform. This creates a lack of ownership within Government of internet content regulation.
Why not develop a co-regulatory structure to regulate internet content bringing together, for example, charities, parents, academics, relevant Government departments, law enforcement agencies and the industry itself to decide codes of conduct in grey areas.
An Advertising Standards Authority for the internet
Harmful content that is content where cultural, taste and decency judgments have to be made would come under the “Internet Standards Authority” remit and could include glorification of violence and terrorism, pornography, cyber-bullying, suicide, internet gambling and anorexia websites – this list is not exhaustive.
The “Internet Standards Authority” would build a dynamic filter and create a blacklist database which would be up-dated hourly. ISPs would then offer two choices of content one for adults and one for children. The child content would be the default with adult content accessed with a pin code – or some such protective device.
An “Internet Standards Authority” would be more responsive to new internet trends and lighter on its feet than Government legislation. Perversely ISPs are being held back from implementing “best efforts” to protect customers and children lest they be held liable for over-blocking or harmful content being accessed.
Finally, the “Internet Standards Authority” would have the ability to promote its work and improve transparency whilst also educating parents and ensuring children surf responsibly.
Internet playgrounds should be supervised in the same way as parks used to be supervised and will be supervised under a Conservative Government (ChildhoodReview).
We should ensure internet companies which advertise carry responsibility messages such as we see on alcohol advertising and cigarette packages. There is a hotline number in the UK operated by the excellent Internet Watch Foundation which should be displayed.
We need to empower parents, teachers and children in their responsibility and risks of going online.
Finally, any internet ready platform should be sold with a robust self updating tamper proof internet filter pre-installed.
We cannot remove all risk to children but when your kid is using the internet you have opened the door to another world. Would you let an eight year old walk to the shops without teaching them to cross the road?
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these are some good ideas it’s a dogs diner out there at the moment and something should be done.
Do you believe in freedom?