By Dr Mike Short, Vice President at Telefónica Europe, and a member of the executive board of the UK Council on Child Internet Safety

Today we were pleased to host ‘Sharing in Safety’, a round-table on keeping our children safe online, organised by the UK’s leading think tank Policy Exchange.

I took part in this insightful discussion, the focus of which quickly turned to what could be done about children’s social networks including educational and entertainment sites such as Habbo Hotel. Some post-event thoughts…

Focus – Generally the view of the meeting was that Internet innovation is a good thing and many twists and turns will arise where technology can protect children. However, it was felt that there was insufficient urgency or single focus within the UK on this particular issue which blends ICT literacy, usability and protection. The proposed new Communications Bill may provide an opportunity for the single focus to be put under one body such as Ofcom, rather than being federated as it is today across CEOP/UKCCIS/IWF/Police/ASA/ICO and perhaps 3 departments of state plus devolved administrations.

Evidence – The need for a single point was backed up by the need to collect evidence in one place that could determine Child Internet based Policy and safety measures.

Enforcement – The current federated UK approach is perhaps also not allowing clear reporting and analysis lines, nor detection or prosecution processes to be optimised. Enforcement needs to have powers to identify and fine culprits but CEOP are not resourced to do this today, although they believe that they obtain over 1000 complaints per month.

In conclusion, although Telefonica has done a lot in the UK and elsewhere towards Digital Confidence, there remains a lot more that can and will be done in 2013 for better Child Internet Safety.