We were pleased to see the Government’s response to the consultation on the White Paper, and the publication of the Draft Online Safety Bill. We remain of the view that while there are huge opportunities inherent in the development of the digital economy, we also face serious challenges to individual and collective safety. Meeting them is a global task and one in which the advertising and marketing industry must play, and is playing, its full part.
We have long advocated for proportionate regulation of the major digital platforms, based on the principles of an effective, fairly-funded, and collective regulatory environment; a transparent and independent evidence base of clear, understandable information for advertisers and consumers; and redress through an independent arbitration process backed by co-regulation. This approach was drawn from our perspective as the trade body for brand advertisers in the UK, and the need for responsible advertisers to have responsible digital partners.
There is no place in a dynamic, competitive digital economy for content or activity that puts at risk children and the most vulnerable. Advertisers, platforms and trade bodies look forward to working in partnership with government to put in place workable rules which root out and prevent online harms.