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 safety information.

Description

The bill mandates several key actions:

• Filtering Pornographic Images: ISPs and mobile operators must provide internet access services that exclude pornographic images unless the subscriber is 18 or older and has explicitly opted in to a service including such content, following an age verification process.
• Content Filtering on Devices: Manufacturers of electronic devices must offer customers a means of filtering internet content at the time of purchase.
• Online Safety Information: ISPs and mobile operators must provide clear and accessible information about online safety to customers when they purchase internet services and maintain this information throughout the service period.
• Reporting: OFCOM is required to submit reports to the Secretary of State on the bill's implementation every three years and as directed.

The bill defines key terms such as "pornographic," using existing legal definitions from the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, and "internet access service," using the definitions found in the Communications Act 2003.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any direct government spending figures. The cost of implementation will likely fall on ISPs, mobile operators, device manufacturers, and OFCOM through their regulatory and reporting responsibilities.

Groups Affected

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Required to implement filtering systems and provide online safety information, incurring potential costs.
• Mobile Phone Operators: Similar obligations to ISPs regarding filtering and information provision.
• Electronic Device Manufacturers: Must incorporate content filtering capabilities into their devices.
• Subscribers (Individuals): Will have greater control over the content they access, but might also face limitations to accessing legal content unless they are 18 years or older. Individuals under 18 may see reduced access to online content.
• OFCOM: Responsible for reporting on the bill's effectiveness.

Powered by nyModel