12/10/2017
Green Paper proposes crackdown on Internet dangers (UK)
Tech and digital start-ups will get technical help to build safety features into new apps and products under one of the measures proposed by the government to crack down on internet dangers such as cyber bullying, trolling, and under-age access to pornography in order to make Britain “the safest place in the world to be online”.
‘Internet Safety Strategy green paper’ also includes proposals for
- an industry-wide levy so social media companies and communication service providers contribute to the costs of raising awareness and countering internet harms
- a new social media code of practice to see a joined-up approach to remove or address bullying, intimidating or humiliating online content
- an annual internet safety transparency report to show progress on addressing abusive and harmful content and conduct
While acknowledging that the internet has ‘been an amazing force for good’, the paper flags up a wealth of research to show that it has also caused ‘undeniable’ suffering and can be an especially harmful place for children and vulnerable people – for example
- Ofcom reported in November 2016 (‘Children and parents: media use and attitudes report’) that in the past year, almost one fifth of 12-15 year olds encountered something online that they ‘found worrying or nasty in some way’
- 64% of 13 to 17 year olds have seen images or videos offensive to a particular group (‘Power of Image Report’)
- half of UK adult internet users say they have concerns about what is on the internet (‘Adults’ media use and attitudes’)
As the current generation of children is the first to learn about relationships and sex online, the strategy also outlines the crucial role that education will play in raising online safety awareness, with a particular focus on children and parents achieved through proposed measures such as
- new compulsory school subjects
- social media safety advice
- highlighting safety features and products
The paper also includes a proposal for the UK Council for Child Internet Safety to be renamed the UK Council for Internet Safety, with an extended brief covering the delivery of the strategy and the safety of all users – not just children.
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