Government looks to establish online harms regulatory body

Westminster turned its attention to what it described as ‘online harms’ on Monday, releasing its Online Harms White Paper, which outlined the government’s plans to create a package of safety measures on the world wide web.

It said that the plans would ensure innovation would continue to be supported, to underpin a “thriving” digital economy.

The package comprised legislative and non-legislative measures, and would make companies more responsible for the safety of their users online - particularly children and other vulnerable groups.

Published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the white paper proposed establishing in law a new duty of care towards users, which would be overseen by an independent regulator.

Companies would be held to account for tackling a “comprehensive” set of online harms, the department said, ranging from illegal activity and content to behaviours which were harmful, but not necessarily illegal.

A consultation would now take place, which would gather views on various aspects of the plans for regulation and tackling online harms.

The government said it would consult on the online services in scope of the regulatory framework, as well as options for appointing an independent regulatory body to implement, oversee and enforce the new framework.

It would also look at the enforcement powers of an independent regulatory body, potential redress mechanisms for online users, and measures to ensure the regulation was targeted and proportionate for industry.

“This is an open public consultation,” the department said.

“We particularly encourage responses from organisations, companies and others with relevant views, insights or evidence.”