Lords to debate report on Regulating in a Digital World

In its report the committee found that regulation of the digital environment is fragmented as over a dozen UK regulators have a remit covering aspects of the digital world but no single body has complete oversight. As a result, there are gaps in accountability and big tech companies have failed adequately to tackle abuses.

The Committee concluded that responses to growing public concern had been inadequate and recommended a new Digital Authority, guided by 10 principles to inform regulation of the digital world. Following the publication of the report the Government published its White Paper on Online Harms.

The debate is being moved by Lord Gilbert of Panteg, Chairman of the Committee, and Lord Ashton of Hyde will respond on behalf of the Government.

At the time of publication in March 2019, Lord Gilbert said:

“The Government should not just be responding to news headlines but looking ahead so that the services that constitute the digital world can be held accountable to an agreed set of principles.

“Self-regulation by online platforms is clearly failing. The current regulatory framework is out of date. The evidence we heard made a compelling and urgent case for a new approach to regulation. Without intervention, the largest tech companies are likely to gain ever more control of technologies which extract personal data and make decisions affecting people's lives. Our proposals will ensure that rights are protected online as they are offline while keeping the internet open to innovation and creativity, with a new culture of ethical behaviour embedded in the design of service.”

The debate is expected to start sometime after 5 pm today (Wednesday 12 June).