Neil Brown1d ago

The report of the Southport Inquiry (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-southport-inquiry-phase-1-report) makes for horrifying reading.

Perhaps of particular note to those interested in #OnlineSafetyAct issues, chapter 6 (online harms) of the report:

* leads with criticism of a lack of parental oversight / responsibility, which I found unusual.

* suggests that VPN usage in the UK should be subject to age / identity verification.

* notes that X was unhelpful in its responses to the Inquiry's statutory information requirements.

The Southport Inquiry: Phase 1 report

Phase 1 report of the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Southport attack of 29 July 2024.

GOV.UK
Show threadNeil Brown1d ago

The report is also critical of Internet filtering in schools, given what the perpetrator was able to access.

I am not sure that being tougher on schools is the answer here - they are already massively underfunded, with too much to do in too little time.

Perhaps it would be wise if the DfE was more specific about the requirements, such that schools, local authorities etc. could put more onus on suppliers to deliver a consistently high standard of service?

Show threadanyGould
@neil Also, I've never thought the point of filters (in school or work or anywhere) was to protect the user. It's to protect the *provider*. (Either in the "don't go download skeezy things", or the "I don't want you watching this in the public library" senses.)
Apr 13 at 6:59pmWeb
Show threadNeil Brown1d ago

@anyGould

In some places, that may also be true.