New UK broadband users are shunning adult content filters, according to a report.

Ofcom figures suggest that fewer than one in seven homes are activating the feature offered by BT, Sky, TalkTalk and Virgin Media at the request of the government.

Adam Gault Getty Images



Parental control filters block access to pornographic websites and violent content, as well as sites promoting self-harm and drug abuse.

Ofcom's statistics indicate that the vast majority of new customers with Britain's leading service providers are turning their noses up to the filters, with 4% of Virgin Media users, 5% of BT subscribers, 8% of Sky customers and 36% of TalkTalk users opting in.

TalkTalk's HomeSafe filter has been available since May 2011, while BT and Sky brought in their services towards the end of last year, in line with the government's guidelines.



Virgin Media's filter was introduced in February, but the Ofcom report found that 65% of the operator's new customers were not being offered the feature as default.

"Ofcom's report clearly highlighted where Virgin Media has fallen short in meeting our original commitments," said Tom Mockridge, Virgin Media's chief executive.

"We take our responsibility to help families stay safe online very seriously and have taken immediate action to improve how we meet our commitments to government."

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