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Internet could see film-style age ratings

Websites could get film-style age ratings to protect children from offensive material, the culture secretary has said.

Andy Burnham said that the government was exploring new ways of making the internet safer for youngsters.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Burnham said: "The internet is becoming a more and more pervasive entity in all our lives and the content standards online are not as clear as we've all been used to in traditional media.

"I think we do need to have a debate about clearer signposting and labelling online because it can be quite a confusing world, particularly for parents who are trying to ensure their children are only accessing appropriate stuff."

He added that the plans are in conjunction with the US and any such rating would have to apply to all English language websites.

Some have voiced concerns that any such system would impact on free speech, although Mr Burnham commented that it would not be "about banning or stopping" people from viewing websites but "simply about clearly signposting [and] more information".

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