UK government is minded to appoint the communications watchdog Ofcom as the regulator to enforce rules to make the internet a safer place. The Government has published its initial response to the public consultation on the Online Harms White Paper.
Ofcom will get new powers to carry out its extended responsibilities. This will include making sure online companies have the systems and processes in place to fulfil the duty of care to keep people using their platforms safe. According to the Government, the regulator will hold companies to account if they do not tackle internet harms such as child sexual exploitation and abuse and terrorism.
In its response, Government covers such issues as where freedom of expression fits in online; and what businesses might fall under the scope of the ‘duty of care’ requirement. It says regulation ‘will establish differentiated expectations on companies for illegal content and activity, versus conduct that is not illegal but has the potential to cause harm. Regulation will therefore not force companies to remove specific pieces of legal content’.
DCMS (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport) Secretary of State Nicky Morgan said: “With Ofcom at the helm of a proportionate and strong regulatory regime, we have an incredible opportunity to lead the world in building a thriving digital economy, driven by groundbreaking technology, that is trusted by and protects everyone in the UK. We will give the regulator the powers it needs to lead the fight for an internet that remains vibrant and open but with the protections, accountability and transparency people deserve.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “While the internet can be used to connect people and dri ..
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