The Great UK Internet Access Debate: Will Age Verification Actually Work ?
There is no doubt that exposure of young children to online porn and other such 'adult' material can be harmful, whether it occurs by their own choice or by accident. The advent of the ‘always on’ internet, along with ready access to personal smartphones for some kids as young as 4 years old, and in some cases lack of parental oversight, has created a ‘perfect storm’. A number of cases in the media where problems have been highlighted has brought matters to a head recently. Older pre-teens and teenagers are also at risk of harm, but for different reasons, and access amongst these older groups is rarely accidental. The key question is – how do we manage the problem as a responsible and caring society ? The government has seen fit to introduce a requirement for age verification via OFCOM in an attempt to restrict access to internet pornography and other 'adult' sites for anyone under 18. It has already encountered opposition from those who believe this represent...