TalkTalk Exits Co-Founded Child Safety Charity Internet Matters Amid Cost-Cutting Measures
In a significant move, UK broadband provider TalkTalk has announced its withdrawal from internet Matters, teh child safety charity it co-founded in 2014 alongside BT, Virgin Media, and Sky. The decision, reported by the Telegraph, comes as part of TalkTalk’s broader strategy to reduce costs by £120 million, which includes job cuts and other financial measures.
Internet Matters, a not-for-profit institution dedicated to educating parents, schools, and caregivers about online safety, has been a cornerstone in the fight to protect children in the digital age. Despite growing concerns about online safety and upcoming UK regulations aimed at tightening controls over major internet platforms, TalkTalk has stated it can no longer afford to financially support the charity.“TalkTalk is proud to be one of the founders of Internet Matters, having financially supported the organization for the past decade. We remain committed to online safety and are exploring different ways of continuing to support Internet Matters and its work moving forward,” said a talktalk spokesperson.
The charity,which relies on annual membership fees of around £300,000 from its founding members,expressed gratitude for TalkTalk’s contributions.“We would like to thank TalkTalk for the significant contribution they have made to Internet Matters for the last 11 years. Their support has been invaluable,” said an Internet Matters spokesperson.The spokesperson added, “Internet Matters remains committed to its mission to keep children safe online and is supported by a broad base of members and partners across a range of industries, and we look forward to continuing to work with them to provide families across the UK with the vital help that they need.”
TalkTalk’s exit from Internet Matters is part of a wider cost-reduction strategy. The company has already begun redundancy consultations for 130 jobs in its consumer division based in Salford, with more cuts expected at its wholesale business, Platform X.
The financial strain on TalkTalk is evident in its latest accounts, which show losses of £72 million in the six months to August 2024, up from £47 million in the same period last year. Revenue also fell by 6% to £700 million.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Charity Exit | TalkTalk to withdraw from Internet Matters by end of March 2025. |
| Founding Members | BT, Virgin Media, Sky, and TalkTalk. |
| Annual membership fee | £300,000 per founding member. |
| TalkTalk’s Losses | £72 million in six months to August 2024, up from £47 million in 2023. |
| Revenue Decline | 6% drop to £700 million. |
| Job Cuts | 130 jobs in Salford, with more expected at Platform X. |
The decision to scale back support for Internet Matters underscores the challenges faced by TalkTalk as it navigates financial difficulties. Though, the company remains committed to online safety, exploring alternative ways to contribute to the charity’s mission.
As the UK connectivity market continues to evolve, stakeholders are encouraged to join the conversation at this year’s connected Britain event, scheduled for 24-25 September in London. Vodafone fully offloading its remaining Indus Towers stake, Nokia and Openreach partnering for fibre network automation, and insights into the future evolution of ODN technologies.
TalkTalk’s withdrawal from Internet matters marks a pivotal moment in the charity’s journey, but its mission to safeguard children online remains steadfast, supported by a diverse network of partners and members.
