UK: Christians welcome proposal to protect children online

Christian campaigners have welcomed a proposal to create a 'web watchdog' to monitor internet content.

A parliamentary inquiry into online pornography recommended this week that the Government introduce a regulatory structure for online content.

The proposal was welcomed by Premier Christian Media Trust and the Safermedia advocacy group, who together launched the Safetynet campaign in February calling for legislation to ensure that internet service providers (ISPs) filter pornography at source.

A recent ComRes survey commissioned by Premier Christian Media found strong support for the campaign's call, with 88% agreeing that internet pornography should be automatically blocked by ISPs. Such a measure would mean that customers wanting to access porn would have to 'opt in'.

Three quarters of the more than 500 Christians surveyed agreed that the Government should go as far as forcing ISPs to block pornographic content.

More than half (57%) said they would be happy to pay more for their internet use in order to fund an 'opt-in' scheme.

The Safetynet petition calling for Government action has so far been signed by more than 60,000 people.

Peter Kerridge, chief executive of Premier Christian Media said: "Right now ISPs are not required to place filters at source, which means that pornographers can reach children with explicit material – whether they like it or not.

"We were delighted to see that the inquiry found strong support for our suggested 'Opt-In' model and concluded that there would be no adverse cost implications."