The House of Lords Communications Committee is to 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 the online platforms have sufficient accountability
and transparency, and whether they use fair and effective processes to moderate
content.
Over the course of the inquiry the Committee will hear
evidence on what information online platforms should provide to consumers about
the use of their personal data and what responsibility online platforms should
have for the content that they host.
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 EU have on
the Government’s regulation of the Internet?
Speaking on the launch of the inquiry, Committee Chairman
Lord Gilbert of Panteg, said:
‘The Internet has transformed the way we interact with one
another and how we consume services and information. However, in its recent
inquiries the Communications Committee has heard that the Internet has become a
platform for illegal and inappropriate behaviour, such as hate speech, the
misuse of personal data and fraud. We wish to build on our earlier work to
explore how the Internet could be better regulated. This might be through
better self-regulation and it might be through specific legislation. 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 Friday
11 May 2018.
