New safety measures will 'change internet'

But charities say Ofcom must now 'show its teeth' to make laws work

- By Aine Fox

PARENTS and children can expect a safer web world after safety measures came into effect yesterday, said Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.

While some campaigners have welcomed the new protections — which include age checks to prevent children accessing porn and other harmful content — others have branded them a “sticking plaster”.

Charities and children’s safety champions have urged Ofcom to show some teeth on enforcement. Platforms must now ensure algorithms do not harm children by pushing self-harm and eating disorder content.

Companies which fail to follow the new codes face fines of up to £18million — or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater — and court orders blocking access in the UK.

Mr Kyle has said a generation of children will be saved from growing up “at the mercy of toxic algorithms” as he warned tech firms “will be held to account” if they fail to act in line with the changes.