Internet providers must focus on child protection, says Devizes MP (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Claire Perry calls for one regulator to oversee internet content

2:12pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in News

Devizes MP Claire Perry, who chairs the independent Parliamentary inquiry into online protection, has called for internet service providers to focus on evidence rather than on ideology in the debate about online child protection.

With the Government currently reviewing submissions to the UKCISS consultation on parental controls, Mrs Perry also highlighted the need for a single regulator to oversee internet content and called for internet service providers to accept more social responsibility.

Following the Westminster Hall debate, Mrs Perry said: "When talking about the issue of internet safety, we can get weighed down in theoretical debates rather than the fact that the current online safety tools are not working.

"ISPs need to understand the widespread concern over this issue and I want to see their focus shift away from worrying about 'Big Brother' ideology towards a workable, cost effective solution for families."

The independent Parliamentary inquiry into online child protection called for an official consultation into an opt–in for adult content in its report published in April 2012. 

Consultation organised by the UK Council for Child Internet Safety on internet parental controls closed in September and the executive board is due to review its findings soon.