violent content online

UK children exposed to violent content online, see it as ‘inevitable’, report finds

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UK children exposed to violent content online, see it as ‘inevitable’, report finds

Children in Britain encounter violent online content, including self-harm promotion, from a young age, viewing it as an unavoidable aspect of internet use. Research highlights the difficulties global governments and tech companies face in protecting minors online. Britain has enacted legislation requiring social media platforms to block children’s access to harmful content through age verification. Ofcom has the authority to fine non-compliant tech companies, though penalties are pending the development of implementation codes. Some messaging services, including WhatsApp, resist parts of the law that might compromise end-to-end encryption. A study involving 247 children aged 8-17 found they primarily encountered violent content through social media, video-sharing, and messaging platforms. The content ranged from violent gaming to verbal discrimination and street fight footage. Many children felt powerless against the content recommended to them and had a limited understanding of the algorithms behind these recommendations. Ofcom emphasizes the urgent need for tech firms to prepare for their child protection responsibilities under new online safety laws.

UK children exposed to violent content online, see it as , ‘inevitable’

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UK children exposed to violent content online, see it as , ‘inevitable’

Children in Britain encounter violent online content, including material promoting self-harm, at primary school age, viewing it as an “inevitable part” of internet use. Research indicates this challenge for governments and tech companies like Meta, Google, Snap Inc, and ByteDance to implement safeguarding measures for minors. Britain passed legislation requiring social media platforms to prevent children from accessing harmful content by enforcing age limits and age-checking measures. Ofcom has the authority to fine tech companies for non-compliance, though penalties are pending the development of codes of practice. Messaging platforms, particularly WhatsApp, have resisted parts of the law that could compromise end-to-end encryption. A report, commissioned by Ofcom and conducted by Family Kids & Youth, found that all 247 children interviewed, aged 8-17, encountered violent content online, including violent gaming content, verbal discrimination, and footage of street fights, primarily through social media, video-sharing, and messaging sites and apps. Children reported feeling powerless over the content suggested to them and had a limited understanding of recommender systems, referring to them as “the algorithm.”