PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Social Media: Freedom of Expression (18 June 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to require (a) Twitter, Facebook and Google and (b) other technology companies to protect freedom of speech.

Asked by:
Sir John Hayes (Conservative)

The UK supports freedom of expression as both a fundamental right in itself and as an essential element of a full range of human rights. It is vital that we maintain a thriving democracy and society where pluralism and freedom of expression are protected. It is important that people are able to enjoy their right to freedom of expression and participate in online discussions.

The government’s world-leading proposals for a new regulatory framework for online harms will include robust safeguards to protect freedom of expression online. The proposed approach will improve transparency for users about what is and is not acceptable on different platforms, and will enhance users’ ability to challenge removal of content where this occurs.

Answered by:
Dame Caroline Dinenage (Conservative)
30 June 2020