Online Harms Social Media 2020-07-13
2020-07-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's online harms White Paper was published over a year ago with ambitions to address illegal content and disinformation. There have been delays in implementing the paper, leading to concerns about its efficacy.
Tan Dhesi questions why there has been no proper protection put into place despite the publication of the White Paper over a year ago. He highlights delays, potential watering down of sanctions, and continued lobbying by tech giants, all while harmful content remains unaddressed on social media platforms. He asks for an update on conversations with these companies and when the online harms Bill will be published.
The Government's White Paper was world-leading in its ambitions to address the online world. The Home Office is clear that illegal activities offline are also illegal online, and this principle guides their work on tackling online harms including child sexual exploitation. A full Government response to the consultation will be published in autumn.
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Assessment & feedback
The timeline for publishing the Bill was not specified beyond a commitment to publish a response in autumn.
Redirecting Focus Towards The Ambition Of The White Paper
Downplaying Delays
Response accuracy