In response to this morning’s publication of the Internet Safety Strategy Green Paper, please find below a comment from the Chair of the Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA), Andrew Glover:
"ISPA members share the Government’s ambition to make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. The UK already has a head start in achieving this goal, with significant investment from our members into parental control filters, the creation and funding of Internet Matters - the one-stop shop for advice on internet safety - as well as support for the Internet Watch Foundation. As a result, the UK is already a world leader in many respects and this has been achieved without legislation, but more can be done as technology continues to evolve.
The Green Paper correctly takes a comprehensive and collaborative approach, involving industry, the Government, the education sector and third parties, and is importantly seeking the views of parents and carers. Technological solutions are a key part of helping make the UK the safest place to be online but is only one part of the equation, which also requires Government support for digital literacy and skills and education to empower confidence in all those using the Internet and enjoying the benefits and opportunities it brings.
We will now analyse the Green Paper in detail but it has already become apparent that it will be important to target measures outlined in the strategy at the most appropriate parts of the internet value chain. Only a truly collaborative approach involving industry, government, experts, parents, carers, young people and other interested parties will help the UK continue to be at the forefront of online safety”.