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MPs to scrutinise updated Online Safety Bill

1 June 2022

The DCMS Committee will continue its scrutiny of the Online Safety Bill, investigating whether user safety and civil liberties online are sufficiently protected. MPs will hear from charity leaders, researchers, and academics.

The session is expected to examine powers given to the Secretary of State to direct Ofcom based on public policy, powers which have received public criticism from MPs, charities, and regulators. MPs are also likely to explore how the bill would compel social media companies to act on age verification and anonymity.  

A report from the Committee on Online Safety and Online Harms identified gaps in the legislation which would allow content that is harmful to children, as well as violent content against women and girls, to slip through. The Committee is likely to ask whether enough focus is given to vulnerable groups in the current bill.  

Witnesses

Tuesday 7 June in the Grimond Room, Portcullis House   

At 10am    

  • William Perrin OBE FRSA, Trustee, Carnegie UK 
  • Izzy Wick, Director of UK Policy, 5Rights Foundation 
  • Ellen Judson, Lead researcher, Demos 
  • Dr Edina Harbinja, Senior lecturer, Aston Law School

Further information

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