I am sure it is situations like this that motivates the good politicians to back the Government’s draft Online Safety Bill.
Metaverse app allows kids into virtual strip clubs – BBC News
But in reality, as someone who has been in technology for many years, I cannot see how their bill will control and prevent this type of situation.
It is difficult to stop children doing things – it is in their nature to be curious. Let’s be honest we send them to school and university to be curious. Laws aimed at tech savvy minors might slow it down but it will not stop this situation. Laws aimed at the pockets of Big Tech might work – but do not bet on that being the whole answer. Society can help. Parents and guardians leading from the front are a key part of the answer. In reality it is a little bit of all of these that will improve the safety of our children and vulnerable people.
But bad laws will only give a political sticky plaster to the technologically uninformed. Minors will still visit the Metaverse where there will be bad people misusing the technology.
Clive Catton MSc (Cyber Security) – by-line and other articles
Further Reading
Online Safety Bill articles (Smart Thinking Solutions)
Online Safety Bill publications – Parliamentary Bills – UK Parliament
Draft Online Safety Bill (Joint Committee) – Summary – Committees – UK Parliament
Draft Online Safety Bill – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Smart Thinking Solutions supports this UK Government initiative:
Let’s stop abuse together – Stop Abuse Together (campaign.gov.uk)
