THE INTERNET: TO REGULATE OR NOT TO REGULATE? LORDS LAUNCH NEW INQUIRY
The House of Lords Communications Committee today invites contributions to its new inquiry which will investigate the regulation of the internet.
The Committee will explore how the regulation of the internet should be improved, and whether specific regulation is required or whether the existing law is adequate. The inquiry will also investigate whether the online platforms have sufficient accountability and transparency, and whether they use fair and effective processes to moderate content.
Over the course of the inquiry the Committee will hear evidence on what information online platforms should provide to consumers about the use of their personal data and what responsibility online platforms should have for the content that they host.
The Committee seeks evidence on questions including:
- Is there a need to introduce specific regulation for the internet?
- What should be the legal liability of online platforms for the content that they host?
- How effective, fair and transparent are online platforms in moderating content that they host?
- What role should users play in establishing and maintaining online community standards for content and behaviour?
- What effect will the United Kingdom leaving the European Union on the Government’s regulation of the internet?
Speaking on the launch of the inquiry, Committee Chairman Lord Gilbert of Panteg, said:
“The internet has transformed the way we interact with one another and how we consume services and information. However, in its recent inquiries the Communications Committee has heard that the internet has become a platform for illegal and inappropriate behaviour, such as hate speech, the misuse of personal data and fraud.
“We wish to build on our earlier work to explore how the internet could be better regulated. This might be through better self-regulation and it might be through specific legislation. The Committee would like to hear views on whether a new regulatory framework is now desirable for the internet and encourage all those that can inform the inquiry to contribute.”
The deadline for submissions of written evidence is Friday 11 May 2018.
