Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Lord Clement-Jones (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 28 November 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 December 2023. It was answered by Viscount Camrose (Conservative) on Tuesday, 12 December 2023 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Pornography: Internet

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their anticipated timeline for the introduction of age verification measures to prevent children’s access to online pornography.

Answer

The Government is committed to having the Online Safety regulatory regime operational as soon as possible. During passage of the Act, we set an 18-month deadline for Ofcom to finalise certain guidance and codes of practice, including those relating to child safety duties and duties on regulated provider pornographic content.

Ofcom published its draft guidance for Part 5 of the Act (provider pornographic content) on 5 December 2023. The draft codes for children’s safety duties will follow in spring next year. Collectively, these documents will set out the steps firms should take regarding age verification and age estimation measures to prevent children’s access to online pornography. Once Ofcom has issued its final codes of practice and guidance, we will commence the corresponding duties.

We have been clear that we expect companies to take steps now to improve safety, and not wait for codes of practice or guidance to come into force before acting.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL652
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Children Internet Pornography Age assurance
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk