This House of Lords Library Briefing has been prepared in advance of the forthcoming debate in the House of Lords on the 'Online Harms White Paper'.
Regulating the Internet: Online Harms White Paper (310 KB , PDF)
On 8 April 2019, the Government published its Online Harms White Paper, which set out proposals to introduce a new regulatory framework for online activity. This briefing explores the debate around regulating the internet, beginning by summarising concerns that have been raised about online harms. It then outlines the current approach to online activity, which relies primarily on online platforms to self-regulate. It goes on to consider proposals for regulating the internet, examining various approaches, such as categorising online platforms as publishers or imposing a ‘duty of care’ on them, and proposals for an independent body to oversee regulation. The briefing then summarises the Government’s approach to online safety, culminating with the Online Harms White Paper. The briefing summarises the reaction to the white paper, which has received cross-party support and has been welcomed by key stakeholders. Nonetheless some key concerns about the feasibility of such an approach, the implications for freedom of speech, and the impact on smaller technology companies have been raised.
Regulating the Internet: Online Harms White Paper (310 KB , PDF)
On 2 December 2021, the House of Lords is scheduled to hold a short debate on a motion tabled by Lord Sharkey (Liberal Democrat). He will ask the Government what steps it is taking to protect vulnerable people from financial fraud. This article provides information about the various types of fraud committed and the scale of the problem; which groups are more vulnerable to fraud; and what is being done to tackle the crime.
In October 2021, some schools began taking payments for lunches using facial recognition technology (FRT). In response, the Information Commissioner’s Office and some privacy campaigners have expressed concern that this use of the technology is unnecessarily intrusive. This article focuses on how FRT is used in schools, what concerns have been raised about its use and how it is governed.
On 28 October 2021, Lord Bowness (non-affiliated) is due to ask the Government “what assessment they have made of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe; and whether they have any proposals to improve that organisation”.
