ISPA is calling for Government to review how it coordinates Internet policy across government departments to promote a cohesive and informed approach to Internet regulation.
This recommendation is one of eight published today in ISPA’s Roadmap for the Internet, addressed to Government, Parliamentarians and Industry. With Parliament set to rise and the Coalition Government starting to outline some of its policy plans, the Roadmap sets out how Internet policy should be developed over the life of this Parliament.
The recommendations of the Roadmap are designed to help businesses and consumers take full advantage of the digital economy in a secure and safe environment. To encourage further innovation and development in the sector, a clear and fair liability regime is needed to give confidence to investors and Internet users.
Looking at the work the Government is undertaking on broadband, the recommendations call for a clear plan for broadband roll out, including a review of the treatment of dark fibre. ISPA also believes the Government should be creating an environment where businesses can develop new technologies and solutions. Other recommendations call for the encouragement of innovative new licensing models for online distribution of content and a proportionate approach to the retention of communications data mindful of data protection regulations.
Nicholas Lansman, ISPA Secretary-General, said "ISPA is encouraged that the Coalition Government has made broadband roll out a priority and is consulting widely on its freedom agenda. However, to ensure that the digital economy continues to grow, ISPA has produced a number of recommendations, including greater coordination of internet policy across government, a commitment to defend liability status and a clear plan for broadband roll out.”
Mr Lansman continued, “As the Internet is of such importance to the economy and society, we look forward to working with Government and parliamentarians to take the roadmap forward over the course of this Parliament.”
The eight recommendations can be found below:
1. Government should review how it coordinates Internet policy across all government departments to promote a cohesive and informed approach to Internet regulation
2. A commitment to defend the status of intermediary service providers in relation to caching, hosting and as mere conduits under the e-Commerce Directive
3. The removal of barriers to help promote innovative new online content distribution models
4. A proportionate approach to communications and interception data that balances the requirements of law enforcement, demands on communication providers and users’ right to privacy
5. A clear regulatory environment that rewards investment in digital infrastructure to ensure access to faster broadband for all
6. A review of the current treatment of dark fibre assets with the aim of reducing the obstacles to small scale deployments of dark fibre networks
7. Change procurement strategies to encourage future proofed solutions and the adoption of new technologies, such as IPv6
8. An effective partnership approach to online safety between industry, Government, users and law enforcement with public bodies receiving adequate resources.
For more information about ISPA and for the full ISPA Roadmap go tohttp://www.ispa.org.uk/press_office/page_828.html
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Notes to the editor:
The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA) was established in 1995 as a trade association to represent providers of Internet services in the UK. ISPA promotes competition, self-regulation and the development of the Internet industry. For a list of members or other information about ISPA, please consult the website: www.ispa.org.uk
The views expressed in this release are those of the Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA) and do not necessarily reflect the corporate policies of the individual companies that are members of the Association or other organisations that may be mentioned in the release. For further editorial information please contact the ISPA Press Office (020 7340 8741).