NSPCC backing tougher regulation to protect children in the Scarborough Borough from online abuse

The group want social networks to be designed to be safe for children.

Author: Benjamin FearnPublished 12th Mar 2021

It's being suggested that most adults in the Scarborough borough back new laws to combat child abuse.

It's as an NSPCC survey's found 89 per cent across Yorkshire and the Humber want social networks to be designed to be safe for children.

The group says: "The poll of more than 2,000 adults across the UK, which includes 191 in Yorkshire & Humberside, shows huge support for putting a legal requirement on tech firms to detect and prevent child abuse, while backing strong sanctions against directors whose companies fail.

"86% of Yorkshire & Humberside respondents want firms to have a legal responsibility to detect child abuse, such as grooming, taking place on their sites.

"76% of adults in the region support prosecuting senior managers of social media companies if their companies consistently fail to protect children from abuse online, while 85% of respondents want social media bosses fined for consistent failures".

NSPCC Chief Executive Sir Peter Wanless says: "Today’s polling shows the clear public consensus for stronger legislation that hardwires child protection into how tech firms design their platforms.

“Mr Dowden will be judged on whether he takes decisions in the public interest and acts firmly on the side of children with legislation ambitious enough to protect them from avoidable harm.

“For too long children have been an afterthought for Big Tech but the Online Safety Bill can deliver a culture change by resetting industry standards and giving Ofcom the power to hold firms accountable for abuse failings.”