Internet Safety by Design: How ISPs and CPE Providers Can Lead on Online Responsibility

Safety Is No Longer Someone Else’s Job

One of the most powerful moments from the event was the stark reminder that some digital experiences are being engineered to capture as much of our consciousness as possible. Referencing a 2017 interview with a Facebook co-founder, speakers reminded us that design decisions, such as the ubiquitous “Like” button, were not made for user wellbeing. Lorna Woods, Professor of Internet Law at the University of Essex, underscored the point: “God knows what it’s doing to our children’s brains.”

While ISPs may not own platforms or social networks, the products and services they provide determine the gateway to that digital experience. With the Online Safety Act now in force, and Ofcom given new powers over access and enforcement, it’s time for our industry to ask: what role should CPE play in safeguarding the home network?

Parental Controls and Graded Safety: A Smart Start

At Euroroute, we believe online safety should be a key consideration in broadband service delivery. That’s why we support and supply CPE solutions that offer features like parental controls, content filtering, and user access management helping ISPs offer greater value and peace of mind to their customers.

Speaker Mashood Ahmad, CEO of Gigabit IQ, called for ISPs to implement graded safety indicators to help parents make informed decisions. Whether through child-safe pre-sets or the ability to schedule device access by time of day, ISPs can now bundle CPE that empowers families to manage digital boundaries effectively without needing separate third-party software.

Technology That Enables, Not Just Connects

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 routers like the FRITZ!Box 7690 can create user profiles, apply access filters, and report activity patterns, all through intuitive mobile apps. Kontron’s Innbox range includes management tools that support safe browsing and per-device access rules that are ideal for family households. By choosing CPE that integrates these features, ISPs can meet growing consumer expectations for responsible connectivity while staying ahead of regulatory scrutiny. This also opens up opportunities for new service tiers, such as “Family Safe Broadband” that differentiate providers in an increasingly competitive UK market.

Remote Management that Scales with Responsibility

With Euroroute’s Cloud ACS platform, powered by AVSystem, ISPs can remotely manage device configurations, push safety updates, and support customers in activating controls without requiring in-home visits. This level of control makes it easier for ISPs to ensure consistent safety standards across large CPE fleets, regardless of whether they’re servicing family homes in Belfast or student flats in Brighton.

Digital Responsibility Starts with Deployment

As the panel on universal access reminded us, no one should be left behind in the UK’s digital future. But inclusion cannot come at the cost of responsibility. ISPs who make considered, safety-first choices in their deployment strategies are not only protecting users, they are strengthening customer trust, reducing churn, and building a more sustainable business. At Euroroute, we believe that responsible broadband begins with responsible technology. That’s why we’re proud to work with partners who share our values and why we continue to invest in CPE solutions that deliver more than just performance.

Leading Responsibly, Together

As regulators, providers, and communities navigate the evolving landscape of online safety, the role of ISPs is more visible and more vital than ever. By embracing a model of “internet safety by design,” supported by modern, manageable CPE, we can all help build a broadband ecosystem that’s not only fast, but fair, inclusive, and secure. To learn more about Euroroute’s safety-ready CPE and Cloud ACS solutions, get in touch with our team today.