Age checks on porn sites are a vital child protection measure

Press release: CARE has responded to the "next step" towards internet safeguards that prevent children accessing porn sites.

Ofcom has today begun consulting on guidance for "highly effective age checks to stop children accessing online porn services".

The regulator is tasked with implementing age verification measures that were included in the recently ratified Online Safety Act.

Ofcom's proposals do not cover "user-generated pornographic content" found on social media, which will be covered by a separate consultation.

James Mildred, Director of Comms and Engagement at CARE, said:

“We note this next step towards long overdue age verification measures that will prevent children from accessing pornography.

"It is vital that Ofcom gets this right. Porn use is linked to disturbing cases of sexual harassment in schools, and studies demonstrate its harmful impact on relationships and mental health.

“We are confident that age verification can be implemented in a measured way that protects the privacy of internet users. We will engage with the detail of Ofcom’s proposals and respond in due course.”

Notes for Editors

A Savanta poll of more than 2,100 UK adults for CARE found that:

> 8 in 10 say age verification should be introduced to protect kids
> 8 in 10 believe access to online porn should only be for over-18s

A separate poll of UK adults for CARE found that:

> 6 in 10 fear porn is inspiring sexual violence against women and girls

A growing body of evidence from front line workers helping victims of sexual crime, educationalists and members of the judiciary shows the link between consumption of extreme pornography and sexual crime.