Child Internet Safety – thoughts on David Cameron’s Speech

e-Safety, the protection of children online, has been hitting a lot of headlines over the past few months both in the public and education sector.

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[testimonial]This is, quite simply, about how we protect our children and their innocence.[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial]
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Today, the Prime Minister, David Cameron has made a series of announcements that have tried to clear up some of the confusion and frustration regarding filtering.  This was specifically around the debate of eradicating images of child abuse, and access to legitimate adult pornography by children and young people.  The full speech can be seen HERE.

Some will say the confusion is even more so; some will say the government hasn’t gone far enough.  There will be many different viewpoints, but trying to be pragmatic I think it has opened very lively debate of which I hope the outcomes are positive.

I’ll be the first to admit I have been a little negative about some of the aspects of this work prior to today’s speech, but without being in the room where the various meetings were held we have to rely on media reporting, which isn’t always a true reflection.

The main parts of today’s speech are below, along with my comments.  What I don’t want to do is make assumptions or go into long-winded explanations; we have to give this time and see the direction the various initiatives are taking.

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[testimonial]The first challenge is criminal: and that is the proliferation and accessibility of child abuse images on the internet.[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial]
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This is (and always has been) one of the biggest concerns; the apparent free and easy sharing of such vile content not only across the world wide web, but also P2P file-sharing, the dark web and others.  A decrease in budget to CEOP has hugely raised concerns in this area however I think we need to wait until CEOP has integrated into the National Crime Agency to see how this pans out.

The PM’s statement that ISP’s, Google and others have a significant part to play is absolutely right.  It is a long way from a solution but it is a positive step in the right direction.  But, it is absolutely vital that law enforcement plays the prominent role in this.  Simply relying on find, report, take-down does not get to the root of the problem.

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[testimonial]The second challenge is cultural: the fact that many children are viewing online pornography and other damaging material at a very young age.…and that the nature of that pornography is so extreme, it is distorting their view of sex and relationships.[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial]
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Without doubt there has been a cultural change in the last few years.  The sexualisation of women across all media has reached low points whether it be online games, magazines, newspapers, TV programmes and of course the web.  This in itself is a massive challenge, particularly as children and young people can be curious as a natural part of growing up.

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[testimonial]Children can’t go into the shops or the cinema and buy things meant for adults or have adult experiences – we rightly regulate to protect them.[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial]
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That’s questionable, walk into any shop and look at the magazines and newspapers.  Have you read some of these (non-18) magazines, or seen some of the front covers?

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[testimonial]So on mobile phones, it is great to report that all of the operators have now agreed to put adult content filters onto phones automatically.
To deactivate them you will need to prove you are over 18……and the operators will continue to refine and improve those filters.[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial][/testimonial_wrap]

This should have happened a long time ago, but it is good to see that it is going to happen now.  It isn’t hard to opt in or out and takes the onus away from parents who may not know.

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[testimonial]On public Wi-Fi – of which more than 90 per cent is provided by six companies – O2, Virgin Media, Sky, Nomad, BT and Arqiva……I’m pleased to say we have now reached an agreement with all of them that family-friendly filters are to be applied across the public Wi-Fi network wherever children are likely to be present.[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial][/testimonial_wrap]

So that’ll be everywhere then.  In theory I do agree with this, but again I have deep reservations about filtering whereby the filter can prevent access to legitimate sites.  When you are relying on others to filter it is my experience that those providers will over-filter “just in case” for fear of risk and liability.

 

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[testimonial]Here in Britain, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo are already actively engaged on a major campaign to deter people who are searching for child abuse images.

I cannot go into detail about this campaign, because that would undermine its effectiveness……but I can tell you it is robust, it is hard-hitting, and it is a serious deterrent to people looking for these images.[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial][/testimonial_wrap]

We don’t need the detail, but if this really is a serious deterrent, make the deterrent public.  Get it on the TV, in the newspapers, radio, magazines.  Deter people before they go looking.  It won’t stop everyone but it will massively raise awareness and stop some.

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[testimonial]Of course, a free and open internet is vital.[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial][/testimonial_wrap]
I totally agree with this, and so will many others.  Many will agree to the point that they will argue for freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and how dare the government censor the Internet.  This is such a difficult area and this blog would not be able to give justice to any side of the argument.  However I do believe that some of those who call for absolute freedom are not only ignorant of the very real and significant risks to children, but are also being a little selfish.  As adults we have a duty to our children, and if that duty slightly impinges on my browsing freedom than I am personally quite happy to accept that – within reason.

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[testimonial]Over a third of children have received a sexually explicit text or email.[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial][/testimonial_wrap]
This isn’t the problem (although it is a concern).  The problem is those sending the material, whatever the reason, and who may not realise (or not care about) the consequences of their actions.

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[testimonial]There has been a big debate about whether internet filters should be set to a default
‘on’ position……..all the ISPs have rewired their technology so that once your filters are installed, they will cover any device connected to your home internet account[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial][/testimonial_wrap]
I have multiple concerns about home filters, however I don’t think it appropriate to make assumptions until more detail is known. (Note:  Default on will be for new customers – existing customers by the end of 2014)

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[testimonial]We need to teach our children not just about how to stay safe online……but how to behave online too – on social media and over phones with their friends.[client_name] [/client_name][/testimonial][/testimonial_wrap]
We’ve been doing this for years.  What we need to be doing is taking some of the silly scaremongering away and engage children and young people rather than “don’t do this, you can’t do that….”  We need to understand that children and young people today are no different than when we were kids.  They will take risks, it is a part of growing up.  So empower with the right information to stay safe and as risk free as possible, but also highlight that there are consequences to actions.

Although a relatively short speech, there is a lot to digest.  More importantly the proof will be in the pudding.  What is fundamental is that government have got to listen to those who know what they are talking about, and that is not necessarily those companies who may have a commercial interest.  Furthermore, it is vital that government understand that this is not a technology issue but one of behaviour and risk.  Again, those technology companies are not the best advisers for a rounded debate.

I have high hopes from David Cameron’s speech today.  e-Safety has to be more prominent in the safeguarding rather than the technical arena so I will be watching these initiatives very carefully.