Category Archives: Self-regulation

Kids can’t pay for the truth

Posted on October 1, 2020 by

In many countries advertising revenues were vital in helping keep “old-fashioned” newspapers and other types of journals alive, particularly smaller, local ones. Typically these would be in printed form but they all soon had an online counterpart. In addition there … Continue reading →

Posted in Default settings, E-commerce, Privacy, Regulation, Self-regulation

Let’s not make TWO mistakes

Posted on September 27, 2020 by

Nobody had spotted it. The European Commission openly acknowledged an error had been made. If left uncorrected it would bring to an end measures which have been protecting kids since 2009. On 10th September the Commission published a proposal.  It … Continue reading →

Posted in Default settings, E-commerce, Facebook, Google, Regulation, Self-regulation

Children’s groups speak out

Posted on September 9, 2020 by

The EU held a consultation on the upcoming Digital Services Act. It closed yesterday. Here is a link to the document I submitted with the support of one or more children’s groups from 15 Member States. What with the holiday … Continue reading →

Posted in Age verification, Child abuse images, Consent, Default settings, E-commerce, Internet governance, Pornography, Privacy, Regulation, Self-regulation

The EU’s Digital Services Act

Posted on August 26, 2020 by

On 8th September an EU consultation closes. It concerns a proposed new Digital Services Act (DSA). The Act will provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change the internet’s ground rules. Children’s advocates need to get busy. Reforming the e-Commerce Directive In … Continue reading →

Posted in Default settings, Internet governance, Regulation, Self-regulation

Beware the harmful algorithm

Posted on August 16, 2020 by

These past few days British media outlets have been full of stories about the scandalous way 17 and 18 year olds have been dealt with following the cancellation of ‘A’ Level exams because of the virus.  At the root of … Continue reading →

Posted in Privacy, Regulation, Self-regulation, Uncategorized

“Good Pictures Bad Pictures”

Posted on August 13, 2020 by

I have just finished “Good Pictures Bad Pictures. Porn proofing today’s young kids.” by Kristen Jenson. I have to say, right off, the book is excellent. It is not preachy, moralising or judgemental. In crisp, clear and concise prose it describes … Continue reading →

Posted in Age verification, Pornography, Regulation, Self-regulation

Age verification. Movement in South Africa

Posted on August 4, 2020 by

The South African Film Board is charged with developing regulations to give effect to their recently adopted law requiring age verification for pornography sites. A consultation  was held on how the regulations might be implemented. It closed yesterday. After thanking … Continue reading →

Posted in Age verification, Pornography, Privacy, Regulation, Self-regulation

The EU’s strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse

Posted on July 26, 2020 by

I said in an earlier blog I would write more fully about the announcement last week of the European Commission’ s new strategy for a more effective fight against child sexual abuse. I wrote that when I had only skimmed … Continue reading →

Posted in Child abuse images, Privacy, Regulation, Self-regulation, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Facebook’s very poor example

Posted on July 25, 2020 by

I have lost count of the number of times child safety advocates from around the world have got in touch with me because, in relation to something they think is important and urgent locally, they cannot get any response from … Continue reading →

Posted in E-commerce, Facebook, Regulation, Self-regulation

The agony and the ecstasy – all in the same day

Posted on July 24, 2020 by

Regular readers will recall last year I got very  engaged with discussions on the new e-Privacy Regulation being drawn up in Brussels. They were threatening to outlaw the use of PhotoDNA and similar tools by certain types of electronic communications … Continue reading →

Posted in Child abuse images, Default settings, Microsoft, Privacy, Regulation, Self-regulation | 1 Comment