Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Online Safety Bill - Government Amendments

30 November 2022 · Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Proposed by Paul Scully Con Sutton and Cheam

Culture, Media & Sport

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The Government plans to return specific clauses of the Online Safety Bill to the Public Bill Committee for further scrutiny.
  • Amendments aimed at strengthening protections for children and safeguarding free speech rights for adults will be formally tabled following a recommitment vote on December 5th.
  • The draft amendment paper is available for review and consideration by Parliamentary colleagues.

Issue summary

The statement addresses policy changes to the Online Safety Bill aimed at enhancing protections for children and ensuring free speech rights for adults.

Action requested

The Government intends to return certain clauses of the bill to a Public Bill Committee for scrutiny, with amendments being formally tabled after a recommitment vote on December 5th. The draft amendment paper is provided for consideration by Parliamentary colleagues.

Key facts

  • The DCMS Secretary of State issued a WMS setting out policy changes on November 29th.
  • The Government aims to strengthen child protections, protect adults' legal free speech, and enhance transparency and accountability in the Bill.
  • A vote on recommitting clauses will take place immediately after Report stage on December 5th.
  • Amendments cannot be formally tabled before the recommitment vote but indicative drafting is provided for consideration.
  • If the recommittal process proceeds, the Bill is anticipated to move to the House of Lords in January.
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