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Google and Facebook discuss children's online safety

21 November 2016

The Communications Committee asks representatives from Facebook and Google about their policies on protecting children online, including implementing age thresholds, sharing their data, and excessive screen time. Afterwards, the Committee hears from experts on the risk of online radicalisation.

Background

The Committee's investigation looks into the risks and dangers presented to children by the internet, as well as the benefits, and also online governance and regulation.

Witnesses

Tuesday 22 November, Committee Room 2, Palace of Westminster

At 3.30pm

  • Simon Milner, Director of Public Policy, Facebook
  • Katie O'Donovan, Public Policy and Government Relations Manager, Google

At 4.30pm

  • Dr Akil N Awan, Associate Professor in Modern History, Political Violence & Terrorism, Royal Holloway, University of London
  • Dr Sarah Marsden, Lecturer in radicalisation, Lancaster University

Areas of discussion

Questions that the Committee is likely to ask the first panel include:

  • What is your role in safeguarding children?
  • How do you moderate unsuitable content?
  • How can you ensure there is no under-age use of your services?
  • Do you offer default-on privacy settings? If not why not?
  • How do you safeguard against unscrupulous sharing of children's data?

Questions that the Committee is likely to ask the second panel include:

  • How does the internet enable extremist groups to target children?
  • How do children radicalise themselves online?
  • How engaged is the industry in tackling online extremism?
  • What solutions would you recommend?

Further information

Image: iStockphoto