David Davis: Online safety bill will be ‘catastrophic’ for freedom of speech June 23, 2021 The government’s plans for new laws cracking down on tech companies will be “catastrophic” for freedom of speech, David Davis said today. The former cabinet minister branded the online safety bill a “censor’s charter”, comparing it to George Orwell’s 1984 and accusing the government of outsourcing the policing of the internet to Silicon Valley. Ministers [...]
Festivals face ‘survival threat’ without insurance scheme, MPs warn June 23, 2021 Music festivals face a serious threat to their survival unless the government underwrites an insurance scheme covering the risk of cancellation, MPs have warned. In a report published today the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) warned that festivals were making “difficult decisions” about whether to risk their survival by going ahead this summer. The MPs added [...]
Vodafone powers entire European network with renewable energy June 23, 2021 Vodafone has announced its entire European operations will be 100 per cent powered by electricity from renewable sources next month. The FTSE 100 telecoms firm’s mobile and fixed networks, data centres, retail and offices will all be powered more sustainably from July 1. The announcement comes after a decision this time last year to bring [...]
Hong Kong paper Apple Daily to close after Beijing crackdown June 23, 2021 Hong Kong pro-democracy paper Apple Daily will shut down after 26 years following a fierce crackdown by Beijing. The tabloid, which was known for its criticism of mainland China, will end its print and digital editions on Saturday 26 June. Foreign secretary Dominic Raab has said today that it marks a “chilling blow” to freedom [...]
UK targets Netflix and Channel 4 with new streaming rules June 23, 2021 The government is plotting an overhaul of the UK broadcasting landscape in a move that could place tightened regulations on US streaming giants such as Netflix. Ministers will carry out a review of rules for video on-demand platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Plus in an effort to protect viewers and boost public [...]
Covid pandemic has changed online dating, Tinder boss says June 22, 2021 New updates to dating app Tinder will reflect changes in users’ dating behaviour due to the pandemic, moving towards more “holistic” profiles. Tinder’s CEO, Jim Lanzone, told the BBC: “As we know from the past 15 to 18 months, people have really leaned in to getting to know people virtually, even having relationships virtually, before they [...]
David Attenborough calls for govt to stop ‘short-sighted’ attack on broadcasting June 22, 2021 The British broadcaster has put his name to a campaign accusing the government of “short-sighted political and financial attacks” on the UK’s television networks. Sir David Attenborough is the latest media star to support the British Broadcasting Challenge campaign, as the government mulls the privatisation of Channel 4. The 95-year-old presenter today signed the campaign’s [...]
Vivendi shareholders back $40bn Universal Music Spac deal June 22, 2021 Shareholders in Vivendi today backed the company’s plans to spin-off its $40bn Universal Music Group through a Spac deal, marking a major boost for billionaire owner Vincent Bollore. Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, a blank-cheque company run by Bill Ackman, has signed a deal to buy 10 per cent of the iconic record label for $4bn. [...]
Channel 4 boss warns of ‘irreversible’ privatisation risk June 22, 2021 The chief executive of Channel 4 has warned against any “irreversible” decision to privatise the broadcaster, saying it could have a damaging impact on the wider sector. Channel 4 has come under increasing pressure from ministers as they prepare to launch a consultation into a potential sale. Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has previously said that [...]
Youtube handed major victory in EU copyright battle June 22, 2021 The EU has ruled that Youtube is not responsible for copyright-infringing material uploaded to its platform by users, marking a major victory for the social media firm. Music producer Frank Peterson took Youtube and parent company Google to court in Germany after users uploaded several phonograms to which he owns the rights in 2008. Publisher [...]