Can we really 'reset the internet' to make it safer for children?

Ofcom's Gill Whitehead described a major reset of the internet to make it much safer for children. But can such a sea-change really happen in protecting children online? It's not as easy as turning something off and on again. The task is huge, with over 150,000 services falling under the Online Safety Act. Big tech firms like Facebook and Instagram are already taking steps to protect children, but the problem is much bigger than that. Internet Matters has found that one in seven teenagers have experienced image-based sexual abuse. The new rules won't come into force until the second half of 2025, and some campaigners say that's not fast enough. The consultation process will involve the regulator, tech firms, experts, parents, and activist groups. Among the 40 measures in the draft Children’s Safety Codes of Practice, one controversial area is how tech firms check the age of their users. Privacy campaigners are concerned about the potential risks of age-check systems. Some argue that age-checks could lead to children seeking out darker corners of the internet where age-checks are not enforced. Ofcom's data suggests that adults can be willing collaborators in allowing underage children to use social media sites. The role of app stores in protecting children is also a concern, and Ofcom will consult on this issue. Another controversial issue is the growing use of end-to-end encryption, which makes it difficult for big firms to spot child abuse on their platforms. Some encrypted services have said they won't comply with any measures that weaken the security and privacy of their systems. If tech firms fail to protect children, they could face eyewatering fines and serious consequences for the mental health of children.