Overview

This Online Safety Bill aims to enhance online safety for children and young people by requiring internet service providers (ISPs), mobile phone operators, and electronic device manufacturers to take specific actions to filter or restrict access to pornographic content and provide online safety information.

Description

This bill mandates several key actions:

• Restricting Pornographic Images: ISPs and mobile operators must provide internet access services that exclude pornographic images unless the subscriber explicitly opts in, is 18 or older, and the provider verifies their age using an established age verification policy.
• Content Filtering on Devices: Electronic device manufacturers must offer customers a means to filter internet content when the device is purchased.
• Online Safety Information: ISPs and mobile operators must provide clear and accessible online safety information to customers when they purchase internet services, and maintain this information's availability throughout the service duration.
• Reporting and Oversight: OFCOM is required to submit reports to the Secretary of State on the bill's implementation every three years or as directed.

The bill defines key terms like "age verification policy," "electronic device," "pornographic," and "online safety," referencing existing legislation like the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 and the Communications Act 2003 for specific definitions.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. The costs will likely be indirect, primarily associated with OFCOM's reporting obligations and potential enforcement actions. There is no information available to estimate the financial effect on the UK government.

Groups Affected

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Required to implement age verification and filtering measures for pornographic content and provide online safety information, potentially incurring costs.
• Mobile Phone Operators: Similar obligations to ISPs regarding pornographic content filtering and online safety information.
• Electronic Device Manufacturers: Must provide content filtering mechanisms on devices at the point of sale.
• Subscribers (Internet Users): Will experience changes to internet access regarding pornographic content and increased access to online safety information.
• Children and Young People: The primary beneficiaries, expected to experience increased online safety due to the measures implemented.
• OFCOM: Responsible for reporting on the bill's effectiveness.

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