Government’s new proposal could force people to age verify before using Google or Reddit

Embargo: Immediate

Responding to the news of the Government’s announcement on introducing a new legal duty as part of the Online Safety Bill which will force companies to profile visitors for all sites that publish adult content, the Executive Director of the Open Rights Group, Jim Killock, said: 

“There is no indication that this proposal will protect people from tracking and profiling porn viewing. We have to assume the same basic mistakes about privacy and security may be about to be made again. 

“The proposal could force people to age verify before using Google search or reading Reddit. This appears to be a huge boon to age verification companies, for little practical benefit for child safety, and much harm to people’s privacy.” 

Contact

Press 07951265812 / press@openrightsgroup.org

Notes to the Editor: 

[1]: Government’s announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/world-leading-measures-to-protect-children-from-accessing-pornography-online