More rules being considered to keep children safe online
38 minutes ago Share Save Paul Seddon Political reporter Share Save
Watch: New Ofcom rules "foundation" for safer internet but "not end of the conversation" says Heidi Alexander
The government is considering further action to keep children safe online and will not "sit back and wait" on the issue, a cabinet minister has said. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told the BBC new age-verification rules beginning later this month would have a "really important" impact. She said the regulations, to be overseen by media regulator Ofcom, would not be the "end of the conversation" on online safety. Ofcom boss Melanie Dawes vowed to rigorously enforce the new requirements, adding the regulator "means business". But she acknowledged Ofcom may require further legal powers in order to keep pace with the rapidly developing impact of artificial intelligence (AI).
Under new powers introduced by the Online Safety Act and passed under the previous Tory government, Ofcom will require internet companies to conduct stricter age verification methods to check whether a user is under 18. A new code of practice, to apply from 25 July, will also require platforms to change algorithms affecting what is shown in children's feeds to filter out harmful content. At the last election, Labour committed to "build on" the previous government's law and consider further measures to keep children safe. But it is yet to publish fresh legislation of its own, with ministers arguing the existing set of new regulations need to be rolled out first.
'Addictive habits'