Overview

The Online Safety Bill aims to enhance online safety for children and young people in the UK. It mandates internet service providers and mobile phone operators to filter out adult content unless a subscriber explicitly opts in and verifies their age. The bill also introduces licensing for pornographic services and provisions for educating parents about online safety.

Description

This bill comprises four parts. Part 1 focuses on internet service providers and mobile phone operators. These providers must offer an internet service excluding adult content unless subscribers aged 18 or over opt in via an OFCOM-approved age verification scheme. OFCOM will set and review standards for filtering and age verification. The bill also requires providers to give clear online safety information and for manufacturers to offer content filtering options on devices. The Secretary of State will be responsible for educating parents about online safety. Part 2 amends the Communications Act 2003 to require age verification for accessing harmful material via on-demand programme services. Part 3 introduces licensing for pornographic services, requiring age verification and establishing an appeals process. A designated authority will oversee licensing and prevent payments to unlicensed services. Part 4 sets the bill's extent, commencement date (six months after passage), and short title.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for government spending. However, it will likely incur costs associated with OFCOM's expanded role in setting and enforcing standards, the establishment of licensing authorities, and parental education initiatives. The overall financial impact is yet to be determined.

Groups Affected

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Mobile Phone Operators: Required to implement age verification and content filtering, potentially incurring costs and affecting their service offerings.
• Electronic Device Manufacturers: Must provide age-appropriate content filtering options.
• Pornographic Service Providers: Required to obtain licenses, comply with age verification, and face potential penalties for non-compliance.
• Financial Institutions: Could be directed to cease transactions with unlicensed pornographic services.
• Parents: Will receive information and education resources regarding online safety for their children.
• Children and Young People: The primary beneficiaries of the bill, receiving enhanced protection from harmful online content.
• OFCOM: Takes on a significantly expanded role in regulating online safety.

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