Websites should be subjected to 9pm advert watershed to protect children say MPs
MPs suggested that adverts on YouTube should have a 9pm watershed
ONLINE platforms like YouTube should be subject to a 9pm advertising watershed the same as TV broadcasters, MPs and regulators suggested yesterday.
Ofcom boss Sharon White told MPs there was an “argument” for stricter advertising rules for online platforms because of the length of time kids spend watching them.
Questioned at the Commons Culture committee, she said online sites like YouTube were now a natural “home” for kids compared to traditional channels like the BBC.
She said there was “certainly an argument” for stricter rules to protect children viewing online content.
Committee chair Damian Collins said if broadcasters were subject to a 9pm watershed for high fat and sugar ads then advertisers could simply move them online instead.
Labour MP Ian Lucas said it “made no sense” not to have the same rules applying when viewers now watch online platforms on their TV set.
Regulators said it was up to ministers to decide on gaps in legislation.
But Ofcom chair Lord Burns added: “This must be a case where the platforms do have a lot of responsibility.
“They are the people who are carrying the adverts, the people benefiting from the adverts and surely it is their responsibility to make it absolutely clear what are adverts and what are not, where they are coming from and who’s responsible for them.”
Ms White said Ofcom would also look at taking further action against broadcasters for not putting enough women on screen.
She said: “Audiences are saying to us, older women are saying we don’t see ourselves on screen.
“There will be discussions in in the next number of months and we can tighten the conditions if the progress isn’t made.”
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