Government announces new inquiry into online safety
On 27 August the UK Government is to open a new inquiry into online safety.
The Committee says online sfety is "raising concerns"
The initiative was announced by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
“Despite technological innovation and an increase in public understanding of dangers, the online world continues to pose hazards — from images of child abuse to trolling,“ the Committee said, announcing the inquiry.
“These dangers are the correlation of the immense benefits provided by unimpeded communication and free speech, so any attempts to mitigate harms have to be proportionate and, where possible, avoid disadvantageous consequences.
“The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has decided to investigate a number of aspects of online safety that are currently raising concerns.”
These areas include protecting children from accessing adult content, filtering “extremist material“ and preventing abusive or threatening comments on social media.
The Committee is inviting written evidence from those who wish to contribute to the inquiry. The portal opens on 27 August and closes on 30 September.