Johnson's Online Regulation Plans: The Pros and Cons

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. History of Online Regulation
3. The EU Ecommerce Directive
4. Notice and Takedown Model
5. Criticisms of Social Media Companies
6. The Online Harms White Paper
7. Duty of Care and Analogy to Physical Spaces
8. Support for the White Paper
9. Objections to the White Paper
10. Government's Initial Response
11. The Role of Companies in Regulating Harmful Content
12. The Future of Internet Surveillance
13. Balancing Freedom of Expression and User Protection
14. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the recently published interim report to the online harms white paper consultation. While it may sound boring and dry, understanding these government plans for regulating social media sites is crucial. We will begin by providing a history of online regulation, focusing on the EU ecommerce directive. We will then discuss the notice and takedown model and examine criticisms of social media companies. Next, we will Delve into the details of the online harms white paper and the concept of duty of care, drawing an analogy to physical spaces. We will explore the support for this white paper as well as objections raised against it. Additionally, we will analyze the government's initial response and the role of companies in regulating harmful content. Finally, we will discuss the future of internet surveillance and the need to balance freedom of expression with user protection.