David Cameron calls for all new computers to have pornography on/off switch

David Cameron wants every new computer sold in the UK to check the age of the people using the computer to protect children from "a silent attack" from online pornography.

The Prime Minster said it was "utterly appalling" that children were able to access pornography and other adult content so easily and announced his intention to "fight it with all we've got".

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His new stance comes just days after ministers rejected calls for an automatic block on adult material in all UK households. The decision to not introduce an 'opt-in' system – where people would need to register to get pornography through their internet connection – was criticised in some quarters.

Mr Cameron is now calling for a more effective and straightforward system, arguing that an on/off switch for adult content was needed. Internet providers have until February to confirm what measures they plan to introduce.

Writing in the Daily Mail, the Prime Minister said outlined his new plan:

"With our system, when people switch on their new computer, a question will pop up asking if there are children in the house. If there are, then parents will be automatically prompted to tailor their internet filters.

"Want to restrict access to Facebook after 8pm? Decide to allow younger children to view fewer sites than their older siblings? Or want to stop access to certain sites altogether? Now you will be shown how to do it."

As part of the plans, outspoken Conservative MP Claire Perry has been given a leading role in the process. Mrs Perry has been a leading campaigner for the recently ditched 'opt-in' system.

The latest twist in the long-running debate has been met with consternation by internet rights organisations.

Jim Killock from the Open Rights Group said that the situation was now very confused:

"Last week, the Department for Education made some broad and sensible suggestions about parental controls for the internet. That was based in the evidence from experts, parents and industry.

"Five days later, the Prime Minister has confused everyone with his efforts to satisfy the Daily Mail's editorial whim.

"This is now a real muddle," he claimed.