Longer and more frequent ads: Ofcom weighs up advert rules as the UK eyes American model to stay competitive July 1, 2022 Ofcom said it may extend the time and frequency allowed for advertising breaks on UK TV as the watchdog eyes up an American-style model. As part of a review of broadcasting rules, the change could mean Brits have to see more ads, with less time in between them. Current rules set by Ofcom mean that [...]
Conservative ideology is in turmoil as they cling to online speech crackdowns June 29, 2022 A little known internet safety green paper was the genesis of the Online Safety Bill. It was initiated by the Cameron government and published five years ago, with a focus on a voluntary code of practice and transparency requirements for social media. This would have been a relatively incremental step, a collaborative approach to addressing [...]
Telecom giants agree new cost of living plan amid rocketing prices June 27, 2022 The UK’s biggest broadband and mobile operators have agreed to a raft of new commitments to further help customers with the rising cost of living following a government-led summit at No 10 Downing Street.
Only one in six youngsters flag online harms as UK pushes forward with landmark safety bill June 27, 2022 New research has found just one in six young people flag harmful content online.
New internet law hands govt ‘unprecedented’ censorship powers that will curb free speech, think tank warns June 27, 2022 The Government is facing calls to “slim down” its new Online Safety Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, amid concerns over its impact on people’s freedoms and privacy, as well as innovation. The new internet legislation will hand ministers “unprecedented” censorship powers, with significant implications for free speech, new research warns. The [...]
BBC must improve complaints handling warns media watchdog Ofcom June 22, 2022 The BBC must be much more open with audiences about how it handles their complaints, warned media watchdog Ofcom.
Dorries set to meet with telecom giants to talk about cost of living strategy June 21, 2022 Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries has called on Britain’s biggest telcos firms to discuss the cost of living crisis. According to reports by Mark Kleinman for Sky News, BT Group and Vodafone have been invited to discussions with Dorries. A Whitehall source told the publication that the minister would be challenging the companies on how they [...]
More strikes incoming: Union to ballot over Royal Mail postman pay row June 21, 2022 The union representing staff at Royal Mail have said they will hold a ballot that could lead to even more strike action over pay, adding to the rail and tube mayhem seen this week.
Lord Gilbert considered to lead BBC funding review June 11, 2022 Lord Gilbert is reportedly in the race to lead the BBC’s funding review. Gilbert, who was recently snubbed in favour of Lord Grade as chair of Ofcom, is among the people being considered by culture secretary Nadine Dorries, Sky News first reported. Whitehall sources told the outlet Gilbert would be an “uncontroversial” choice but that [...]
Ofcom brings stronger protections for UK telephone boxes June 8, 2022 Stronger protections for public call boxes come into force today, despite the fact that 96 per cent of UK adults now own a mobile phone.