Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what their understanding is of the timescales of the work of Ofcom’s new ‘small but risky’ taskforce; and specifically when they expect any platforms that are prioritised as being particularly dangerous and which do not comply with requirements under the Online Safety Act 2023 to be subject to takedown orders.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Ofcom's recent enforcement update highlights its focus on scrutinising platforms that present risks of harm from illegal content, due to their size or nature. This includes smaller sites where users might encounter priority offences such as content that encourages or assists suicide. In its January industry bulletin, Ofcom detailed its approach to driving improvements under the Online Safety Act, such as requiring specific firms - including smaller services of concern - to submit illegal content risk assessments by 31 March. Ofcom also outlined the conditions for enforcement action, including takedown orders, such as in cases of ongoing non-compliance.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch on 10 February (HL4900), which references "hate, terror and offences against women and girls", whether Ofcom’s taskforce is also seeking to address small platforms that promote or glorifies suicide, self-harm and eating disorders.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Ofcom's recent enforcement update highlights its focus on scrutinising platforms that present risks of harm from illegal content, due to their size or nature. This includes smaller sites where users might encounter priority offences such as content that encourages or assists suicide. In its January industry bulletin, Ofcom detailed its approach to driving improvements under the Online Safety Act, such as requiring specific firms - including smaller services of concern - to submit illegal content risk assessments by 31 March. Ofcom also outlined the conditions for enforcement action, including takedown orders, such as in cases of ongoing non-compliance.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what conversations they have had with Ofcom regarding its ‘small but risky’ taskforce and in particular its understanding of (1) the number of full-time posts assigned to this taskforce, and (2) where this taskforce sits in Ofcom’s management structure.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government has regular meetings with Ofcom on matters relating to the Online Safety Act (OSA), including about how it will enforce against non-compliant providers. The ‘Small but Risky’ taskforce is part of Ofcom’s supervision team. It sits in the Online Safety Group. The Government understands there are 189 full-time equivalent posts in the Online Safety Group. Ofcom established the Small but Risky task force in recognition of their unique risks posed by these services. It will identify, manage and enforce against such services where they fail to comply with their duties. Ofcom officially started enforcing the OSA regime this week.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government, what discussions they have had with the government of the United States of America about the Online Safety Act 2023 and the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 in the context of a free trade agreement.

Answered by Baroness Jones of Whitchurch - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

We will always act in the best interests of UK businesses and consumers. That’s why, throughout the last few weeks, the government has been fully focused on negotiating an economic deal with the United States that strengthens our existing fair and balanced trading relationship. The UK remains committed to continuing these discussions.

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Found: After Clause 34 LORD WILLS BARONESS JONES OF MOULSECOOMB BARONESS KRAMER BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES

Found: After Clause 34 LORD WILLS BARONESS JONES OF MOULSECOOMB BARONESS KRAMER BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES

Found: After Clause 34 LORD WILLS BARONESS JONES OF MOULSECOOMB BARONESS KRAMER BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES

Found: Rights Bill 20 After Clause 34 LORD WILLS BARONESS JONES OF MOULSECOOMB BARONESS KRAMER BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES

Found: After Clause 34 LORD WILLS BARONESS JONES OF MOULSECOOMB BARONESS KRAMER BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES

Found: After Clause 34 LORD WILLS BARONESS JONES OF MOULSECOOMB BARONESS KRAMER BARONESS MORGAN OF COTES

Found: November the PFEW draft clause to the bill was formally tabled in the House of Lords by Baroness Morgan of Cotes

Found: November the PFEW draft clause to the bill was formally tabled in the House of Lords by Baroness Morgan of Cotes

Found: Chair of the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, Baroness Morgan of Cotes said:  It is right that,