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Is it time to regulate the internet? Legal experts give evidence

24 April 2018

The Communications Committee begins hearing evidence for its inquiry "The Internet: to regulate or not to regulate?". The Committee questions legal academic experts.

Background

The Committee explores with witnesses possible ways in which the internet could be better regulated, the extent to which online platforms should become liable for the content that they host, and the information they should provide to users about the use of their personal data.

Witnesses

Tuesday 24 April, Committee Room 2, Palace of Westminster

At 3.30pm

  • Professor Christopher Marsden, Professor of Internet Law, University of Sussex
  • Dr Victoria Nash, Policy and Research Fellow, Oxford Internet Institute
  • Professor Lorna Woods, Professor of Law, University of Essex

Possible questions

The Committee are likely to ask a number of questions including the following:

  • Is there a need to introduce a regulatory framework for the internet?
  • In what ways, should online platforms be more transparent about their business practices – for example – in their use of algorithms or collection of data?
  • What role should users play in establishing and maintaining online community standards for content and behaviour?
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of the dominance of a small number of online platforms in certain online markets?

Further information

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