Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their anticipated timeline for the introduction of age verification measures to prevent children’s access to online pornography.

The Government is committed to having the Online Safety regulatory regime operational as soon as possible. During passage of the Act, we set an 18-month deadline for Ofcom to finalise certain guidance and codes of practice, including those relating to child safety duties and duties on regulated provider pornographic content.

Ofcom published its draft guidance for Part 5 of the Act (provider pornographic content) on 5 December 2023. The draft codes for children’s safety duties will follow in spring next year. Collectively, these documents will set out the steps firms should take regarding age verification and age estimation measures to prevent children’s access to online pornography. Once Ofcom has issued its final codes of practice and guidance, we will commence the corresponding duties.

We have been clear that we expect companies to take steps now to improve safety, and not wait for codes of practice or guidance to come into force before acting.