Digital Campaigning Regulation 2020-11-26
2020-11-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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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.
What steps is the Electoral Commission taking to strengthen the regulation of digital campaigning?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific fines or deterrent measures were not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Vote Leave's activities during the Brexit referendum involved spreading myths through digital campaigns, which raises concerns about current regulations and penalties.
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?
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.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment on implementation of higher fines was not provided.
Response accuracy