Lockhart: Online safety measures a step forward, but more must be done to protect children

Carla Lockhart said:

“The safe use of the internet by children and young people is of the utmost importance. Social media has become a part of everyday life, yet it presents serious risks to users of all ages - particularly children.

Today’s announcement of additional protections is a welcome step forward as we strive to make the online world a safer space. I have consistently raised concerns in Parliament about the need to place greater responsibility on internet platform providers, many of whom have so far attempted to evade accountability for the harmful content on their sites and its impact on young users.

This online harm must stop. The move to place a greater onus on providers, requiring them to develop algorithms that divert harmful material away from children and to introduce robust age verification, reflects basic safety standards that should already be in place. It is remarkable that these companies need to be forced to implement what is clearly common sense. That alone highlights the mindset of internet giants and the need for strong regulatory oversight.

There must be zero tolerance and meaningful penalties for firms that fail to act decisively to protect children. Additional measures, such as internet curfews, should also be considered as we continue to strengthen protections.

Ultimately, the success of the Online Safety Act will be judged over time. I will continue to work with the Government and press for further measures to ensure that children and young people are genuinely safe online.

The Government must be alive to the rapid pace of change in technology. Whilst Parliament debates laws to curb the harms of last year, the Government must have the expertise to look forward to where technology is going and rather than playing catch up, be ahead of the curve with appropriate safeguarding legislation.”