Overview

This Online Safety Bill aims to enhance online safety for children and young people by requiring internet service providers (ISPs), mobile operators, and electronic device manufacturers to take specific actions to filter inappropriate content and provide safety information. It also mandates the government to educate parents about online safety.

Description

This bill introduces several key measures:

• Adult Content Restriction: ISPs and mobile operators must provide an internet service excluding adult content unless subscribers aged 18 or older explicitly opt-in, after age verification complying with OFCOM standards.
• OFCOM's Role: OFCOM is responsible for setting and reviewing standards for filtering adult content and age verification, consulting relevant parties before implementing these standards and handling complaints.
• Content Filtering on Devices: Electronic device manufacturers must provide customers with a means of filtering internet content at an age-appropriate level at the time of purchase.
• Online Safety Information: ISPs and mobile operators must provide clear and accessible information about online safety to customers upon purchasing the service and throughout the service duration.
• Parental Education: The Secretary of State must establish methods for educating parents of children under 18 about online safety.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will incur costs associated with the Secretary of State's parental education initiative and potentially OFCOM's expanded regulatory role.

Groups Affected

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Required to implement age verification and content filtering systems, potentially incurring costs.
• Mobile Network Operators: Similar obligations to ISPs regarding content filtering and age verification.
• Electronic Device Manufacturers: Must incorporate content filtering capabilities into their devices.
• Parents: Will benefit from government-led education programs on online safety.
• Children and Young People: The primary beneficiaries, gaining enhanced protection from harmful online content.
• OFCOM: Takes on a larger role in setting and enforcing online safety standards.

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