Overview

This bill aims to introduce a voluntary regulatory system for small online news platforms in the UK. It seeks to improve journalistic standards and accountability by setting up a regulatory body and establishing an editors' code of conduct, but participation in the regulatory system is not mandatory.

Description

The bill defines "small online news platforms" based on factors like user numbers, advertising revenue, or other criteria to be determined by the Secretary of State. It mandates the creation of a regulatory body to develop and enforce an editors' code. This code will cover accuracy, attribution, corrections, handling of complaints, protection of children, avoidance of discrimination and incitement of hatred, and protection of sources. The bill also outlines an enforcement procedure that includes corrections, warnings, and fixed penalty notices. While participation in the regulatory body is voluntary for small online news platforms, editors of non-compliant platforms could face criminal charges if they fail to remove illegal content.

Key Aspects:

• Voluntary regulation for small online news platforms.
• Establishment of a regulatory body.
• Editors' code of conduct covering various aspects of responsible journalism.
• Enforcement mechanisms including penalties for non-compliance.
• Potential criminal liability for editors of non-compliant platforms for failure to remove illegal content.

Government Spending

The bill allows for a levy to be paid by participating small online news platforms to fund the regulatory body's operations. The exact amount of this levy and the overall government spending will be determined by future regulations. No specific figures are provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Small online news platforms: These platforms will be affected most directly. They may face new obligations concerning editorial standards, compliance, and potential financial levies.
• Editors of small online news platforms: Editors will have increased responsibilities regarding content moderation and adherence to the editors' code, potentially facing criminal liability if they fail to remove illegal content from their platforms.
• Authors/journalists: Authors may experience changes in their working conditions and increased accountability due to the editors' code.
• Users/readers: Readers may benefit from improved accuracy and ethical standards in online news, but the impact will depend on platform participation in the voluntary regulatory scheme.
• UK Government: The government will be responsible for establishing the regulatory body, defining "small online news platforms," and overseeing the implementation of the bill.

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