Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Election Candidates: Protection

Wednesday 22 January 2020 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Sir David Amess raised concerns about online abuse posted without public identification.
  • The Minister highlighted the need for companies to take responsibility for abusive behavior on their platforms.
  • Measures to put digital imprints on online political material are being considered by the Government.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Amess Con Southend West
Democracy & Elections
Context

Post-election, concerns about online abuse towards candidates are raised.

Question

Now that we have a Government elected with a majority, can we please address the situation whereby people can post online abuse without having to have their names and addresses published?

Answer from Chloe Smith (The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Cabinet Office and Paymaster General)

First, I think that companies need to tackle such abusive behaviour and take responsibility for that on their services. That could include taking steps to limit the use or abuse of anonymity. The Government are also taking forward measures to put digital imprints on online political material. That will be a way to help voters to see who is saying what and hold them to account.

Answered
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