Context
- UK government has released a white paper on ‘online harms’.
- The Online Harms White Paper sets out the government’s plans for a world-leading package of online safety measures that also supports innovation and a thriving digital economy.
- This package comprises legislative and non-legislative measures and will make companies more responsible for their users’ safety online, especially children and other vulnerable groups.
- The White Paper proposes establishing in law a new duty of care towards users, which will be overseen by an independent regulator. Companies will be held to account for tackling a comprehensive set of online harms, ranging from illegal activity and content to behaviours which are harmful but not necessarily illegal.
Key Facts
- This consultation aims to gather views on various aspects of the government’s plans for regulation and tackling online harms, including:
- The online services in scope of the regulatory framework.
- Options for appointing an independent regulatory body to implement, oversee and enforce the new regulatory framework.
- The enforcement powers of an independent regulatory body.
- Potential redress mechanisms for online users.
- Measures to ensure regulation is targeted and proportionate for industry.