Digital Platforms: Impact on Democracy

Lord Stevenson of Balmacara Excerpts

Thursday 16th July 2020 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Barran]

I cannot comment more widely on committees but, judging by the report produced by your Lordships’ committee in this area, it has been an exemplar of rigour.

[Lord Stevenson of Balmacara (Lab) [V]]

My Lords, I join others in congratulating my noble friend Lord Puttnam and his committee on their excellent report. As it says in paragraph 294, the Government already have the powers to introduce a requirement to include digital imprints on online political adverts. They have already consulted and committed to action in 2019; indeed, this is already the law in Scotland and it can be done by secondary legislation. The case is overwhelming. Will the Minister explain when we can expect this legislation?

[Baroness Barran]

I believe that this will form part of the online harms legislation.