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Online Abuse
28 February 2022
Lead MP
Catherine McKinnell
Newcastle upon Tyne North
Lab
Responding Minister
Chris Philp
Tags
UkraineCulture, Media & SportScience & TechnologyBenefits & Welfare
Word Count: 12548
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Catherine McKinnell raised concerns about online abuse in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks the government to consult with civil society organisations representing communities most affected by online harassment, align the draft Online Safety Bill with protections already established in the Equality Act 2010 and hate crime laws, and ensure that platforms assess the vulnerability of certain groups online. She also calls for robust measures to prevent previously banned users from returning to continue abusing their victims.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The speaker is concerned about the growing issue of online abuse on social media platforms, which has affected many individuals including public figures and ordinary users. She cited statistics from Ofcom's pilot online harms survey indicating that over a four-week period, 13% experienced trolling, 10% encountered offensive or upsetting language, and 9% faced hate speech or threats of violence. The speaker emphasized the impact on marginalized groups such as women, disabled people, and members of the LGBT community who are disproportionately targeted for abuse.
Pontypridd
Called for decisive action on the Online Safety Bill, noting the significant number of signatures supporting stronger online protections. Highlighted issues such as the failure to regulate abusive content and the need for robust penalties for social media executives who fail to tackle harms. Mentioned the lack of regulation regarding anonymity on smaller platforms and the rise of new technologies like virtual reality that pose risks to children.
Damian Collins
Con
Tunbridge Wells
Mr. Collins addressed the petitions on online abuse, highlighting the growing public concern about abusive material and behaviour online, especially on social media. He mentioned that illegal offline activities should also be regulated online with platform liability for hosting abusive content. He emphasised the need to set safety standards based on UK laws rather than American terms of service and advocated for clearer definitions of priority harms in the Online Safety Bill.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon expressed concerns about online abuse, highlighting the need for changes to the draft Online Safety Bill. He cited a Middlesex University survey showing that around 53% of 11 to 16-year-olds have seen graphic porn content and urged stronger restrictions on anonymity and immediate removal of posts upon complaint. Shannon also raised issues related to access to pornography, expressing the need for protection against harmful online content and questioning if the Bill addresses these concerns adequately.
Siobhan Baillie
Con
Stroud
The MP discussed the need to tackle anonymous online abuse and proposed verification measures for social media accounts. She highlighted that over 700,000 signatures have been collected on related petitions. The MP also stressed the importance of addressing cyber-flashing issues faced by young girls and thanked celebrities who have brought attention to the issue.
Government Response
Chris Philp
Government Response
I associate myself with the remarks made by the shadow Minister and other colleagues, expressing deep concern for the situation in Ukraine. I thank the hon. Member for Newcastle upon Tyne North for introducing the debate and extending gratitude to those who signed petitions supporting it. The online world offers significant opportunities but also presents challenges where abuse affects people's daily lives severely, particularly women, girls, LGBT+ individuals, and ethnic minorities. The Government recognises these issues and acknowledges the disproportionate impact on certain groups. The draft Online Safety Bill will address these concerns; changes have been made based on feedback from committees, stakeholders, and parliamentarians. Significant modifications include specifying priority illegal offences, proactive prevention of such offences by social media firms, legal but harmful content protection for children regardless of platform size, and age-assurance measures to prevent under-18s accessing online pornography. Enforcement mechanisms involve £110 million investment over two years for Ofcom, which will impose fines up to 10% of global income. Criminal liability provisions are also included. The Bill is technology-agnostic, covering new technologies like the Metaverse. Regarding anonymity, category 1 firms will offer users identity verification and interaction choice options.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.