UK lawmakers start internet regulation inquiry

The UK House of Lords Communications Committee has invited contributions to an inquiry on the regulation of the internet, under which 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 online platforms have sufficient accountability and transparency, and whether they use fair and effective processes to moderate content. 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 UK leaving the European Union on the government’s regulation of the internet? Said committee chair Lord Gilbert of Panteg: “We wish to build on our earlier work to explore how the internet could be better regulated. 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 11 May 2018. Read more

• Thursday, 26 April 2018