UK’s Porn Check Faces Third Postponement

The UK government has delayed the introduction of a new porn block rule for the third time due to potential data privacy issues.

The law, first suggested in 2015, would make internet users undergo age verification checks before accessing adult content online. It’s hoped that such barriers would prevent underage children from accidentally viewing porn while on the internet.

After facing two previous setbacks, porn checks were scheduled to come into effect on 15th July.

However, campaigners have opposed the scheme, which will be the first of its kind in the world, expressing concerns that storing sensitive information could increase the risk of hacks. If the identities and activities of porn watchers across the country were leaked it could leave them vulnerable to blackmail.

Delays to the implementation came in March 2018 and April 2019 as the government wanted to ensure the data storage system was absolutely secure.

Margot James, Minister for Digital, assured doubters when the third date was announced that the government had “taken the time to balance privacy concerns with the need to protect children from inappropriate content”.

Once the law is introduced, services providing quality age verification solutions will be issued a green ‘AV’ badge.

AgeGO, a GDI Content Partner, is one of these companies. It anticipates several more countries, including Ireland, Spain, Poland and South Africa, passing similar measures in the near future.

Read more here.