For the sake of our health, wealth & sanity

WGPlus (Archive)

Information Commissioner, Elizabeth Denham has responded to the government’s Online Harms White Paper.

“I think the white paper proposals reflect people’s growing mistrust of social media and online services. People want to use these services, they appreciate the value of them, but they’re increasingly questioning how much control they have of what they see, and how their information is used. That relationship needs repairing, and regulation can help that. If we get this right, we can protect people online while embracing the opportunities of digital innovation.

……. We have powers, provided under data protection law, to act decisively where people’s information is being misused online, and we have specific powers to ensure firms are accountable to the people whose data they use.

Bounty UK fined £400,000 for sharing personal data unlawfully

ICO fines production company £120,000 for unlawful filming in maternity clinic

London council fined by the ICO for disclosing sensitive personal data about alleged gang members

“We’ve already taken action against online services, we acted when people’s data was misused in relation to political campaigning, and we will be consulting shortly on a statutory code to protect children online. We see the current focus on online harms as complementary to our work, and look forward to participating in discussions regarding the White Paper”.

Researched Links:

ICO response to government’s Online Harms White Paper

Organisations must continue to improve transparency & accountability as ICO survey shows most UK citizens still don’t trust organisations with their data

DCMS: UK to introduce world first online safety laws

DCMS: Jeremy Wright speaking at the launch of the Online Harms White Paper

techUK comments on the Government’s new Online Harms White Paper

IEA: Proposed new regulations for tech giants will do more harm than good

BCS calls for national cyber safety programme for schools in response to government's online harm plans

IWF responds to Online Harms White Paper: Let’s do the right thing online for victims of child sexual abuse

ASI: Government harms free speech and free press with online harms white paper

Children’s Commissioner: What does the Government’s Online Harms White Paper mean for children?

PC&PE: Chairman responds to the Online Harms White Paper