The Tech Shock Podcast - Ellen Judson and Kyle Taylor
In this episode Vicki and Geraldine are joined by Ellen Judson, head of Demos' digital research hub, and Kyle Taylor, founder and director of Fair Vote. Together, they're co-authors of 'We Can No Longer Support the Online Safety Bill'.
Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of questions posed in this episode – and, as the group concedes, plenty of answers needed when it comes to the Online Safety Bill's (OSB) future.
Previously part of organisations championing the OSB, Ellen and Kyle explain which flaws in this piece of legislation have caused them to reverse their stance so dramatically.
Among certain other issues, Kyle challenges the 'walled garden' approach to child online safety. After all, how do we ensure that only children operate within these spaces, and what does this approach say about building resilience, and keeping adults safe from online harms?
Ellen suggests that the question of free expression has caused legislators (and therefore the bill) enormous difficulties. Even if we agree that platforms have a duty to moderate and remove content, what considerations should we make for content of democratic importance, or which is journalistic in nature?
And, as the group moves on to discuss, if we're constantly having to tack on an exemption here and a clarification there, does this signify that the core components of the bill simply aren't fit for purpose?
Finally, do Ellen and Kyle believe an imperfect bill is better than no bill at all? Providing we can't start thinking completely afresh or pause the bill entirely, what do they believe the prognosis is for its success?
You can listen to the episode via Plink, Spotify, Apple, or Google.