The UK government wants to make Ofcom, the communications regulator that is akin to India’s TRAI, the regulator of online harms on the internet. UK Digital Secretary Nicky Morgan and Home Secretary Priti Patel announced this on February 12. Given its “experience of overseeing the broadcasting and telecoms sectors”, the British government said that “it has the expertise and independence needed to take on the challenge of regulating online harms”. To that end, Ofcom will get new powers through legislation, but “decisions on processes and procedures will be taken by Ofcom”, the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said. It will, of course, need to protect users’ rights online including “safeguarding free speech, defending the role of the press, promoting tech innovation and ensuring businesses do not face disproportionate burdens”. The government also published its initial response to the public consultation on the Online Harms White Paper that ran from April 8 to July 1, 2019 and received over 2,400 responses. The government will release the full response in Spring 2020 which will set out more details about the enforcement powers of Ofcom. Who will be affected? Only companies that allow sharing of user-generated content, including comments, forums or video sharing. The Department of DCMS says that fewer than 5% of UK businesses will be affected by this. The legislation will be introduced proportionately to minimise regulatory burden on small businesses. Proportionality will be determined by evidence of risk of harm and technical feasibility. “Most small businesses where…
