Complex needs will be protected
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Greater regulation of devices that track a child or young person's location is needed to prevent paedophiles exploiting the technology, a Labour MP has warned.
"A parent can feel safe because their child is carrying such a device," said Judy Mallebar, the MP for Amber Valley, told Parliament last week. "However, what peace of mind can it give if that service remains unregulated and open to misuse by strangers who might be very clever at grooming a child?"
Pat McFadden, minister for employment relations, said the area was already covered by EU regulations and a voluntary code of practice drawn up by the Home Office, children's charities and industry figures in 2004.
However, he added: "The technology is new and developing, and in setting out the position I am not saying that we could never go further."
