This House of Lords Library briefing provides information on the role played by social media and online platforms as news and content publishers ahead of a debate on this topic scheduled to take place in the House of Lords on Thursday 11 January 2018.
Social Media and Online Platforms as Publishers (231 KB , PDF)
On 11 January 2018, the House of Lords is scheduled to debate a motion moved by Baroness Kidron (Crossbench) on the “role played by social media and online platforms as news and content publishers”.
This short briefing considers some of the issues that have arisen as part of the debate on this subject in recent months. These include, but are not limited to, the role of social media and online platforms as disseminators of inaccurate or misleading information (widely referred to as ‘fake news’); the use of such applications by state and non-state actors to influence conflict narratives, sometimes through the posting of illegal content; the role of these networks in preventing online bullying and harassment; and the responsibility held by such platforms when copyrighted content is inappropriately uploaded and shared via their services. Potential responses to these challenges—including government-led and industry-led activity—are then briefly considered. A selection of recommended reading is identified at the end of the briefing for further information on this multi-faceted subject.
Social Media and Online Platforms as Publishers (231 KB , PDF)
The usage of educational technology in UK schools is already growing and likely to increase significantly in coming years, particularly as a result of the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Many commentators suggest that these technologies present significant opportunities but also substantial risks. This briefing examines these issues ahead of a forthcoming debate in the House of Lords.
The Pedicabs (London) Bill is a government bill which would provide Transport for London with powers to regulate pedicabs, also known as cycle rickshaws, for example by introducing a licensing regime and standards for operators, drivers and their vehicles. The bill would extend to England and Wales, but only apply in England to pedicabs operated within Greater London. The bill was promised in the 2023 King’s Speech and was introduced into the House of Lords on 8 November 2023. It is due to receive its second reading on 22 November 2023.
![Pedicabs (London) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 2 of 2023–24](https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Transport-568x426.png)
This briefing considers legislation that may be announced in the King’s Speech on 7 November 2023 relating to science, innovation and technology. For example, the government has said that it does not initially intend to introduce legislation regulating artificial intelligence but is continuing to look at the area.
