The International Grand Committee on Disinformation and “Fake News” met this week, which saw representatives from across the world come together to sign the “International Principles for the Law Governing the Internet”. In his work with the Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee, Julian Knight MP was a vocal member of the Grand Committee.
Julian said “The internet has revolutionised the way we live, and we see that every day with the rapidly changing world of social media. However, it is crucial that global technology firms like Facebook are protecting the welfare of people who use their services, and are subject to national and international law.”
“What the Grand Committee has agreed is a set of key aims, which overall seek to protect social media users. We believe in a right to data privacy, want to ensure global technology firms take full responsibility for removing harmful content, and ensure those firms also play a proactive role in tackling the spread of “fake news” which can be harmful to our democracy.”
“More crucially, we want global technology firms to accept they are not above the law, regardless of which country they have their headquarters in. Whilst their website or app may transcend boundaries, their legal obligations do not. The best way to tackle this is by agreeing international principles, so I am delighted we have signed off this document today.”
Julian recently spoke out about Facebook’s handling of the Cambridge Analytica data breach scandal as part of the cross-party, Select Committee team. Whilst quizzing Facebook’s Chief Technical Officer, Mike Schropfer, Julian claimed “Facebook is a morality-free zone destructive to a fundamental right of privacy”.
Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has controversially refused to appear before the committee to answer for his company’s data handling failures, which Julian referred to as “a deep disrespect to elected representatives outside of the US”.
Julian continues to fight for the privacy rights of his constituents, and of UK citizens across the country.
See the full Select Committee hearing by clicking here.