LONDON — Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly defended his decision to include a review of online safety regulations in ongoing trade discussions with the United States. During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Starmer emphasized the dual need for robust internet safety measures aimed at protecting children while also championing free speech, a hallmark of British values.
Online Safety Act and Digital Markets Review
Recent reports indicated that the potential U.S.-U.K. trade agreement may encompass a review of the Online Safety Act and the new digital markets framework in the United Kingdom. Additionally, the Digital Services Tax, which imposes a two percent charge on the revenue generated by technology companies, is also being negotiated. These three policies have garnered significant pushback from the U.S. tech sector.
During a public hearing led by Chi Onwurah, chair of the House of Commons’ Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, Starmer stated:
“There are questions about the appropriate way to tax digital services. There are questions about how technology impacts with free speech.”
He reiterated his belief that some form of digital tax was necessary and underscored the importance of maintaining the UK’s historical commitment to free speech.
Balancing Safety and Free Speech
Starmer expressed a strong stance regarding the protection of children, arguing for necessary measures under the Online Safety Act to combat threats such as child exploitation. However, he was more reserved when addressing the issue of misinformation. In response to questions about the influence of social media in inciting riots last summer in Southport, he acknowledged the need for a “proportionate” approach to these matters.
In a separate inquiry, Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran asked whether specific aspects of the National Health Service (NHS), including U.S. access to NHS data, were under consideration in the trade talks. Starmer sidestepped a direct answer, stating:
“I’ve been very protective of the approach we take to the NHS in any dealings with any other country, because it is our greatest asset and we’re not trading it away.”
He did, however, suggest that there are opportunities to enhance the use of NHS data domestically to further medical research and preventative health measures.
This inquiry comes on the heels of the government’s announcement regarding the establishment of a new “Health Data Research Service” dedicated to NHS data, which aims to create a secure access point to national-scale datasets, thereby reducing bureaucratic hurdles for researchers.
As discussions progress on the draft trade deal between the U.S. and the U.K., a government spokesperson remarked last week that no specific timeline for the agreement would be disclosed.