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

(2 years, 5 months ago)

Public Bill Committees
Read Full debate Online Safety Act 2023 View all Online Safety Act 2023 Debates Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts Amendment Paper: Public Bill Committee Amendments as at 26 May 2022 - (26 May 2022)
None Portrait The Chair
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Thank you. We have time for a question from Navendu Mishra before we bring the Minister in.

Navendu Mishra Portrait Navendu Mishra (Stockport) (Lab)
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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 Portrait Navendu Mishra
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Q So it could be clarified?

Danny Stone: Yes.

None Portrait The Chair
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Would any other witness like to contribute? No.