Introduction of UK Porn Access Law Delayed

The UK’s controversial new ‘porn block’ has been delayed beyond this week. A number of media outlets were reporting that ban would be put in place on 1st April, and the confusion has left many commentators frustrated.

The government has been working to launch the technological block for over a year. It would make all internet adult content inaccessible until a user verifies their age, either by uploading documents online or signing up for an access card in a local shop.

Chief Executive of charity Barnardo’s, Javed Khan, told The Independent: “Age verification measures, urgently needed to help prevent children being exposed to harmful and inappropriate content, need to be brought in as soon as possible.

“Accessing the internet in an age-appropriate way is important for children and young people, and can be a positive opportunity to learn, keep in touch with friends and have fun. But the risks of being exposed to age-sensitive and harmful content such as pornography needs to be acknowledged and addressed.”

Groups opposing the new law claim that storing identification documents online will leave people more susceptible to data leaks. Building a user-friendly verification system may also present a major hurdle to some startups in the adult sector.

Tumblr has recently introduced new guidelines in order to keep the adult content hosted on its site compliant with changing US legislation.

Read more here.