Since Friday 15 November, Orange, Free, Bouygues and SFR have begun to prevent access to several age of users. At issue: No real controls to prevent minors from viewing this content, beyond simply clicking the button “I’m 18 years old”…at best.
How can parents effectively monitor their children’s access to online content and ensure their safety?
Interview: Editor of Time.news Talks with Digital Safety Expert on Age Restrictions in Online Content
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today. To start, could you explain the recent actions taken by telecom providers like Orange, Free, Bouygues, and SFR regarding age restrictions on online content?
Digital Safety Expert (DSE): Absolutely. Since November 15, these telecom companies have implemented measures to block access to certain online content for younger users. The key issue here is the lack of effective age verification methods. Currently, the only control in place is a simple affirmation—users are only asked to click “I’m 18 years old” to gain access, which is not a sufficient barrier against minors.
TNE: That does sound concerning. What are the implications of such a lenient approach to age verification in content accessibility?
DSE: The implications are significant. First, it raises concerns about the safety of minors who may inadvertently access inappropriate content. The digital landscape is vast, and without stringent checks, it becomes challenging to protect younger audiences. Furthermore, this can lead to legal ramifications for platforms that host this content, as well as erode the trust of parents and guardians in those services.
TNE: From an industry perspective, what are the potential consequences for telecom providers implementing these types of age restrictions?
DSE: Telecom providers face a dual-edged sword. On one hand, they are trying to ensure compliance with regulations and respond to public concerns about digital safety for minors. However, overreaching restrictions could frustrate adult users who may feel their access is unjustly limited. Additionally, if they don’t establish effective verification systems, they could be criticized for negligence when it comes to protecting children from harmful online content.
TNE: What practical advice would you give to parents who are concerned about their children encountering inappropriate content online?
DSE: Parents should actively engage in their children’s online activities. This can include having open conversations about the types of content they encounter and its associated risks. Utilizing parental control software and monitoring their child’s online behavior is also a key strategy. Additionally, leveraging age-appropriate content filters can create a safer browsing environment for children.
TNE: Looking ahead, what changes do you foresee in age verification practices for online content?
DSE: I believe we will see a push towards more robust age verification technologies. Innovations like biometric checks, secure ID verification systems, and AI-driven content moderation could become standard practices. As industry awareness increases and regulators impose stricter guidelines, companies will have to adapt and evolve their approaches to ensure compliance and protect young users.
TNE: Thank you for your insights today. It’s clear that as online content continues to evolve, so too must our strategies for keeping users, particularly minors, safe.
DSE: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss how we can foster a safer digital environment.