Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport

MPs condemn ditching of 'porn blocker' plan

MP outrage at the decision to scrap age verification measures
The Digital Minister has faced a barrage of criticism over a decision by his department to scrap plans for an age verification system to prevent children viewing pornography online. MPs from across the Commons lined up to make their feelings clear, as Mandy Baker reports.

There's more from Today In Parliament at 1130pm on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

'Robust measures' for gamers

BBC Radio 5 Live

Wake Up To Money

fifa game
EA

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport committee (DCMS) has published a report on loot boxes, which appear in some games as packs of virtual objects players can buy using real money.

It has led to concerns that it could act as a gateway to gambling for young people.

One teenager told Radio 5 Live that you pay for item you don't know what the item is but "saying it encourages gambling exaggerates" the situation. He says someone he knows spent £400.

One gamer told the committee they spent up to £1,000 a year on EA's Fifa football game for a chance to get better players.

Jo Twist, chief executive of the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment, told Wake Up to Money: "We already have robust measures in place for people to switch off in game purchase of any kind and to control screen time".

There were also robust age ratings but the industry would review the recommendations.

"We don't dispute that a minority of people find balance in life is sometimes challenging.."

"The games industry is a really important part of the creative economy and as we face a cliff edge when it comes to Brexit it's really important that we keep our eyes focused".

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