Social networks require regulation

There is a lot being discussed at the moment with regard to regulation of games after the Byron review last week and now this seems to have spread to social networks after Ofcom published a report about children using social network websites (Download the Ofcom social networking report).

As usual the media have turned on the evil Internet again but when you look through this hysteria there is an interesting argument here. Online regulation isn’t easy as due to the Internet’s very nature it evolves quickly (too quickly for Government intervention perhaps) and there is a degree of anonymity which also means enforcement becomes more difficult.

In addition some would say regulation would stifle the freedom that is currently available.

Personally I can’t see how regulation is going to work, essentially most schemes with regard to online regulation seem to be badly conceived and I’m not convinced Governments have a clue about the underlying issues.

I think application providers and websites should take responsibility for this in the regard that they should provide the tools within the system for privacy and protection rather than requiring various shock headlines to make them change their policies.

This still leaves a gap for who is going to ensure that children use the systems available and I’m afraid this for the most part should come down to parents. Currently it would seem that many parents don’t understand issues surrounding the social Internet but I don’t see this as an excuse. Outside of the virtual World parents keep on top of developments related to their children - this should be the same for when their child logs on.

Certainly there is a case for education here and maybe a Government should formulate a swifter response to the moving goalposts online. There are already independent sites for advice such as Safe Social Networking but maybe a more inventive and proactive approach is needed.

Any other opinions would be welcomed.