'They have acknowledged that, while customers’ privacy must be respected and protected, it cannot be at the expense of children’s safety.'
Speaking at the state opening of Parliament, the Queen said the UK will lead the way in making sure the internet is safe for all.
In December, the IWF raised concerns that new rules under the e-Privacy Directive, which came into force on December 21, could make it illegal for tech companies to scan online messages for suspected child sexual abuse material.
“It is important that we not only look at the online element of these crimes but the impact that it also has on communities"
A record number of reports of online child sexual abuse have been processed by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).
“Firms must do all they can to keep users, particularly children, safe and to stop any illegal content from spreading on their platforms but the legislation must support them in doing that"
“We can not allow Europe to be a safe haven for these criminals who would exploit the worst abuse of vulnerable, innocent children. We are pleased to see some action is being taken"
Digital Minister Caroline Dinenage said the welfare of children is central to the Government’s approach on tackling online harms.
Baroness Floella Benjamin raised fears 18 to 25 year-olds may be becoming child sex predators online.
An independent study, Safer technology, safer users: The UK as a world leader in Safety Tech, has found there has been “significant growth” within the UK’s safety tech sector
There are calls to make Europe a no-go zone for online sexual predators as new figures reveal that 9 in 10 webpages identified by the IWF showing videos and images of children suffering sexual abuse, rape, and torture are hosted on servers in Europe.