Deloitte Internet Regulation Updater

On 15 December 2022, the latest Committee stage for debate of the UK Online Safety Bill concluded (this was day two with day one having taken place on 13 December).

Key amendments discussed and points of debate include:

• A new provision requiring the UK regulator Ofcom (Office of Communications) to provide guidance in relation to content that it considers to be harmful to children and examples of content relevant to the user empowerment duties.
• A new provision dealing with the meaning of restricting users’ access to content.
• A new duty requiring Category 1 service providers not to act against users except in accordance with terms of service.
• A new provision requiring Ofcom to keep an updated list of so-called ‘emerging’ Category 1 service providers (based on prescribed thresholds about user numbers and functionality).

A revised draft of the Bill was published on 19 December 2022 reflecting these and other agreed amendments. The Bill (as amended) will now return to the House of Commons for a Report Stage on 16 January 2023. We will continue to monitor further developments.

If you would like to speak to the Deloitte team supporting clients on complying with the OSB and other evolving global internet regulations, please contact:

Joey Conway, Internet Regulation Partner, Legal Lead

Nick Seeber, Internet Regulation Lead Partner

Jessica Withey, Internet Regulation Director, Legal

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