Plans to introduce age verification checks on pornographic websites have been delayed again, the Government has announced.
The requirements made in the Digital Economies Act 2017 were meant to be in place in April 2018, but were initially delayed until the end of the year.
Now, Digital and Creative Industries Minister Margot James MP says the new rules to ensure pornography users are over 18 will be “in force” by April 2019.
Compliance
Speaking to the Commons Science and Technology Committee last week, James told MPs: “It has taken longer than I would have liked, but I’d balance that with a confidence that we’ve got it right.”
When the plans come into force, websites must ensure pornographic material is “not normally accessible to those under 18”.
Non-compliant websites will face being blocked by UK internet providers.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has not yet disclosed how the age verification systems will work.
Circumvention
Ms James said she is “confident” that most large pornographic websites will comply with the new rules, as they had “engaged well” with the British Board of Film Classification, which will monitor compliance.
She conceded however that there would likely be “smaller, more underground platforms and sites which will seek ways around the law”.
Critics say the plan will be unworkable, as there are several ways the restrictions can be avoided by tech-savvy individuals.