Overview

This Online Safety Bill aims to enhance online safety for children and young people by requiring internet service providers and mobile phone operators to offer an adult content-free service unless a subscriber specifically opts in and verifies their age. It also mandates device manufacturers to include content filtering tools and requires the government to educate parents about online safety.

Description

The bill places several key obligations on different entities:

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Mobile Operators: Must provide an internet access service that excludes adult content by default, unless the subscriber (18 or older) specifically opts in and verifies their age through an OFCOM-approved process. ISPs and mobile operators are protected from legal action if they follow OFCOM guidelines and act in good faith.
• Electronic Device Manufacturers: Must equip devices with content filtering tools appropriate for different age groups at the time of purchase.
• OFCOM: Responsible for setting, reviewing, and revising standards for filtering adult content and age verification policies. They must consult relevant parties before implementing new standards and handle complaints regarding adherence to these standards. OFCOM will also produce regular reports to the Secretary of State.
• Government (Secretary of State): Responsible for providing resources and means to educate parents of children under 18 about online safety.

The bill defines "adult content" as material specified in the Communications Act 2003 which is harmful and offensive and from which persons under the age of 18 are protected. The bill also provides definitions for other key terms like "age verification policy," "electronic device," and "online safety."

Government Spending

The bill does not specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will require expenditure by the Secretary of State to fund initiatives for educating parents about online safety. The exact cost will depend on the scale and nature of these educational programs.

Groups Affected

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Mobile Network Operators: These companies will face new compliance requirements and potential costs associated with implementing age verification systems and providing default adult content-free services.
• Electronic Device Manufacturers: Will need to incorporate content filtering capabilities into their devices, potentially adding to manufacturing costs.
• Parents: Will benefit from government-led educational programs aimed at improving their understanding of online safety for their children.
• Children and Young People: The bill aims to directly improve their online safety by limiting exposure to harmful content.
• OFCOM: Will have increased responsibilities in setting and enforcing standards and handling complaints.

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