§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he issues on the means by which a child's age may be proven when using the internet. [16861]
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§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe Government have not issued such guidance. Proof of age, like proof of identity, can be achieved by using authentication services, such as certified digital signatures. However, the market in these products is not developing quickly and the Government are committed to identifying and removing barriers to the widespread take-up of authentication services by individuals and businesses users.
In the meantime the Government encourage parental supervision of children's use of the Internet combined with the use of filtering software to prevent children from being exposed to inappropriate internet content. To emphasise this the Government will launch a public awareness campaign on internet safety next month.