Ofcom, the Information Commissioner and DSIT to be quizzed on online safety
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will question Ofcom, the Information Commissioner (ICO) and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) in the final session of its inquiry into social media, misinformation and harmful algorithms.
In the first panel, the cross-party committee will question Ofcom, the regulator for online safety, and the ICO, the information rights and data privacy regulator. Members will likely explore whether the Online Safety Act (OSA) is fit for purpose, Ofcom’s interpretation of the OSA and whether the slow pace of implementation hinders the regulator from keeping pace with tech developments.
MPs may also ask about the digital advertising market, including how it relates to the business models of social media platforms and how it may monetise harmful content online, as well as the relationship between regulators when it comes to online safety.
Meeting details
In the second panel, MPs will question the Minister for Online Safety and DSIT’s Director for Security and Online Harms to scrutinise DSIT’s role with regard to social media. Questions may focus on the response of social media platforms to the 2024 summer riots, whether the OSA needs to go further to tackle online harms such as misinformation and disinformation, and whether Ofcom has the power to effectively enforce the act.
MPs could investigate the recent weakening of terms of service on social media platforms, the regulation of generative AI and digital advertising online, and whether changes in the US administration will impact UK online safety.