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Online Harms — [Sir Edward Leigh in the Chair]

07 October 2020

Lead MP

Holly Lynch
Halifax
Lab

Responding Minister

Caroline Dinenage

Tags

NHSEconomyMental Health
Word Count: 14474
Other Contributors: 13

At a Glance

Holly Lynch raised concerns about online harms — [sir edward leigh in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The MP asks when legislation to address online harms will be published, if the proposed duty of care will be underpinned by a statutory framework, and whether there will be regulation of misinformation and disinformation. She also questions why an age-verification regime for commercial pornography sites was suspended in 2019 and seeks clarity on its reintroduction.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Halifax
Opened the debate
The MP is concerned about the failure to regulate online platforms despite a significant evidence base and public support, citing statistics such as nine in ten UK adults and 99% of 12-15 year olds being online. She mentions that during lockdown, online sex crimes against children surpassed 100 per day, and cyberbullying affects seven in ten young people, with nearly 40% experiencing it frequently. The MP also highlights the impact on mental health and public discourse, urging for regulation of misinformation and disinformation through online advertising.

Government Response

Caroline Dinenage
Government Response
Summarised the government's approach to tackling online harms, including establishing a new duty of care for companies towards their users and requiring clear mechanisms for reporting harmful content. Mentioned plans to publish the full Government response within the next few weeks and have legislation ready early next year. Emphasised the protection of children from inappropriate content through age verification technologies and measures against revenge porn and disinformation.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

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.