Overview

The Online Safety Bill aims to enhance online safety for children and young people by requiring internet service providers, mobile phone operators, and electronic device manufacturers to take measures to filter harmful content and provide safety information and education for parents. It also introduces stricter regulations on age verification for accessing adult content in on-demand programme services.

Description

Internet Service Providers and Mobile Operators

Internet service providers and mobile phone operators must provide an internet service that excludes adult content by default, unless a subscriber aged 18 or older specifically opts in and verifies their age using an OFCOM-approved scheme.

Electronic Device Manufacturers

Manufacturers of electronic devices must provide customers with tools to filter online content at age-appropriate levels.

OFCOM's Role

OFCOM is responsible for setting and reviewing standards for filtering adult content, age verification schemes, and age/subject-based content filtering. They will handle complaints and report to the Secretary of State.

Information and Education

Internet providers must provide clear online safety information to customers. The Secretary of State for Education must provide resources to educate parents about online safety issues, including filtering and identifying online risks.

On-Demand Programme Services

The bill strengthens age verification requirements for accessing harmful material on on-demand programme services and empowers regulatory authorities to prevent payments to services that fail to comply.

Government Spending

The bill does not explicitly state the cost to the UK government, but it will involve resources for OFCOM’s oversight, the Secretary of State for Education's parental education programs, and potential enforcement actions. Precise figures are not provided in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Required to implement default adult content filters and provide safety information. Increased compliance costs are likely.
• Mobile Phone Operators: Similar requirements to ISPs regarding content filtering and information provision.
• Electronic Device Manufacturers: Must incorporate content filtering tools in their devices.
• OFCOM: Increased responsibilities for setting and enforcing standards, handling complaints, and reporting.
• Parents: Will receive educational resources on online safety.
• Children and Young People: Will benefit from increased protection from harmful online content.
• On-Demand Programme Service Providers: Face stricter regulations on age verification and potential payment restrictions for non-compliance.
• Financial Institutions: May be subject to directions to cease transactions with providers of non-compliant on-demand services.

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