Online Safety Bill (Third sitting)

Navendu Mishra Excerpts

Committee stage & Committee Debate - 3rd sitting
Thursday 26th May 2022 Public Bill Committees

[The Chair]

Thank you. We have time for a question from Navendu Mishra before we bring the Minister in.

[Navendu Mishra (Stockport) (Lab)]

Q Mr Stone, do you think that the Bill gives sufficient protection to groups who suffer disproportionate abuse online because of protected characteristics? Do you think that those protections should be clarified in the Bill?

Danny Stone: If we are talking about the “legal but harmful” provisions, I would reflect what the witnesses from the Carnegie Trust—who are brilliant—were saying earlier. There is a principle that has been established in the Bill to list priority illegal harms, and there is no reason why priority harms against adults should not be listed. Racism and misogyny are not going anywhere. The Joint Committee suggested leaning into existing legislation, and I think that is a good principle. The Equality Act established protected characteristics, so I think that is a start—it is a good guide. I think there could be further reference to the Equality Act in the Bill, including in relation to anonymity and other areas.

[Navendu Mishra]

Q So it could be clarified?

Danny Stone: Yes.

[The Chair]

Would any other witness like to contribute? No.