FSC Responds to UK Age Verification Guidance — Free Speech Coalition

At the moment, the Free Speech Coalition submitted detailed suggestions on age assurance tips proposed by Ofcom, the regulator accountable implementing the UK’s On-line Security Act. FSC’s submission meticulously critiques the proposed steering, highlighting areas of ambiguity, potential for extreme burden on small companies, and the unfavorable implications for adults wishing to entry sexual content material.

An space of nice concern for FSC is the dearth of readability on what age assurance strategies are thought-about “extremely efficient” and the feasibility of compliance with out concrete examples or authorised requirements from Ofcom. We additionally defined the challenges and potential inequities launched by the proposed steering, significantly highlighting points round price and the unwillingness of shoppers to adjust to age assurance measures.

“Free Speech Coalition members agree with the aim of holding youngsters from materials that’s age-inappropriate or dangerous,” mentioned Alison Boden, Government Director of the FSC. “Nonetheless, it’s important that any tips not solely shield minors but in addition respect the rights of adults to entry content material and keep away from undue burden on the suppliers. Our response to Ofcom’s session goals to make clear the sensible realities of the proposal and problem the company to do extra to mitigate the problems it creates.”

FSC seems to be ahead to continued dialogue with Ofcom to make sure that the ultimate laws are truthful, clear, and sensible for affected platforms to adjust to.

To learn FSC’s response, click on right here.