These recommendations were made in the Internet investigation report.
The government should require industry to pre-screen material before it is uploaded to the internet to prevent access to known indecent images of children.
On 10 November 2020, the UK Government noted that it had launched the Voluntary Principles to Counter Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. The interim code of practice on tackling child sexual exploitation and abuse and the Voluntary Principles, set out the UK Government’s expectation that all companies will prevent access to known child sexual abuse material, which includes pre-screening.
The government should press the WeProtect Global Alliance to take more action internationally to ensure that those countries hosting indecent images of children implement legislation and procedures to prevent access to such imagery.
On 10 November 2020, the UK Government noted that it will continue to work collaboratively with the WeProtect Global Alliance (WPGA) to continue to make combatting indecent images of children, grooming and live streaming a top priority. The UK Government stated that this will be done through its board meetings and by ensuring the WPGA further develops and disseminates key resources, such as the Model National Response, Global Threat Assessment and Global Strategic Response framework.
The government should introduce legislation requiring providers of online services and social media platforms to implement more stringent age verification techniques on all relevant devices.
On 10 November 2020, the UK Government noted that it expects age assurance methods, including age verification, will play a key role in the online harms regulatory framework. The UK Government stated it is working closely with stakeholders to consider what could be delivered ahead of, and through, the online harms regulatory framework. Ahead of legislation, the Government stated that it will publish guidance on embedding ‘safety by design’ principles into the design and development of online products and services. The Government noted that this will serve as best practice for reducing online harms for users, especially children.
The government should publish, without further delay, the interim code of practice in respect of child sexual abuse and exploitation as proposed by the Online Harms White Paper (published April 2019).
On 15 December 2020, the UK Government published the interim code of practice in respect of child sexual abuse and exploitation.