Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Digital Campaigning: Regulation

Thursday 26 November 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Electoral Commission works to regulate digital campaigning under current laws and publishes data on digital spending by campaigners.
  • The commission monitors online activity and provides advice to campaigners.
  • The commission has recommended reviewing its current maximum fine of 20,000 per offence and suggests updating sanctioning powers for other polls.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alan Brown SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

Digital campaigning has raised concerns about transparency and regulation. Vote Leave's activities during the Brexit referendum highlighted issues with myth-spreading through digital platforms.

Question

What steps is the Electoral Commission taking to strengthen the regulation of digital campaigning?

Answer from Chris Matheson

The Electoral Commission works proactively to regulate digital campaigning under current laws, publishes data on digital spending by campaigners to provide transparency for voters, monitors online activity and supports campaigners with advice. The commission recommends changes to improve voter confidence in online campaigning.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific fines or deterrent measures were not directly addressed.

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Q2 Alan Brown SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

Vote Leave's activities during the Brexit referendum involved spreading myths through digital campaigns, which raises concerns about current regulations and penalties.

Question

The hon. Member has answered that the commission works to regulate digital campaigning under existing laws. Given Vote Leave's myth-spreading and its impact on subsequent elections, does the commission agree that there must be not only better regulation but also higher fines beyond business-as-usual amounts as a real deterrent?

Answer from Chris Matheson

The commission has recommended reviewing its current maximum fine of £20,000 per offence and suggests updating sanctioning powers for other polls. The Scottish Parliament recently increased the maximum fine for Scottish referendums to £500,000.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on implementation of higher fines was not provided.

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