Mastodawn

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

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Neil Brown 1d 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?

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Neil Brown 1d ago

The author appears to assert that browsing while using a VPN is, in itself, problematic:

> This should include consideration of:
> 1. Concerning patterns of online browsing and purchasing (e.g. change of names and addresses, use of Virtual Private Networks)

Page 232

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Simon Hewison 1d ago

@neil there's mention of an 'industrial strength' sledgehammer. Like anyone wants a sledgehammer that isn't up for some heavy use. Some very sloppy writing and loaded phrases there.

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Simon Hewison

@neil Here's a thought for #Amazon and other online marketplaces. It should matter not what IP address an order is used to place an order. If you know the person ordering an age-restricted item is based in a country (billing address) where such restrictions happen, OR if you know it's being shipped to a country (delivery address) where such age restrictions happen, those restrictions and appropriate handling should take place. #VPN is a red herring here.