Measures to stop children from “stumbling across” porn on the internet are to be delayed for a second time.
The proposed “age-verification checks” were due to come into effect on 15 July this year after previously being delayed from April 2018.
But Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright announced that the plans will be delayed for another six months after the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport failed to notify the European Commission of the changes.
Age-verification
The age-verification checks will require users to prove their age using traditional forms of ID such as a credit card or passport.
Users will also be able to buy an over-the-counter access card from shops, where age verification can take place face-to-face.
Online pornography sites which refuse to follow the new regulations would be blocked by UK internet service providers.
Interests of children
Jeremy Wright apologised for the delay and said: “Age verification for online pornography needs to happen and I believe it is the clear will of the House and those we represent that it should, and in the interest of children that it must.”
If the measures come into force, they will be the first of their kind anywhere in the world.