Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Tenth Report - Connected tech: smart or sinister?
Culture, Media and Sport Committee
HC 157
Published 7 August 2023
Recommendations
4
Rejected
Para 51
Urge ICO to proactively engage manufacturers on child-friendly privacy settings for connected tech.
Recommendation
The use of connected tech in schools and by children in homes raises concerns, including the harvesting and third-party use of children’s data and their lack of control over what technology is used and when. The Government and ICO were …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the conclusion, asserting that the ICO has already been proactive through extensive work with industry since the Age-Appropriate Design Code came into force, producing guidance and resources for Edtech and schools.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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9
Rejected
Para 72
Keep data protection reforms under review to avoid undermining existing adequacy agreements.
Recommendation
The Government has not yet made a compelling case for reform of data protection. While we understand that some companies do not share data outside the UK, we are concerned that differing expectations between those companies and companies that do …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the conclusion, asserting that the UK remains committed to high data protection standards and that the proposed Bill will simplify legislation while maintaining robust safeguards. It argues that EU adequacy does not require identical rules and that dialogue with the EU continues to ensure free data flows.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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11
Rejected
Produce an implementation plan and commit to codifying remaining IoT security guidelines.
Recommendation
The introduction of the product security regime, which codifies three of the original thirteen guidelines set out in the Government’s internationally recognised 2018 Code of Practice for Consumer IoT Security, is an important first step in improving cybersecurity for connected …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects committing to codify the remaining guidelines in phases, stating it's not currently proportionate, but will monitor the impact of existing requirements and may mandate further ones if necessary.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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16
Rejected
Para 120
Ensure DSIT coordinates cyber policy and establish clear ministerial accountability for delivery.
Recommendation
The creation of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is an opportunity to ensure a comprehensive, joined up approach to cyber policy. We recommend that responsibilities for cyber policy is co-ordinated by the dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation, stating that the UK National Cyber Strategy sets out a whole-of-government approach where various ministers have specific cyber responsibilities, and argues that national security cannot be separated from broader cyber policy.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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17
Rejected
Ensure National Cyber Security Centre has capacity to meet growing demands for services
Recommendation
As the prevalence of connected technology grows, so too will the demand for the National Cyber Security Centre’s services. The Government should ensure that the National Cyber Security Centre has the capacity to meet demands for its services. It should …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating it ensures the NCSC is sustainably funded but rejects explicitly addressing NCSC capacity issues in its regular labour market reporting, instead confirming that NCSC needs are considered within broader workforce capacity assessments.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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Conclusions (2)
10
Conclusion
Rejected
We agree that reforming the governance and accountability structures of the Information Commissioner’s Office will be a positive step. We have previously recommended against executive overreach in the case of Ofcom and the Online Safety Bill; these concerns apply with respect to the Information Commissioner’s Office and the Data Protection …
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the conclusion, asserting that the reforms will enhance the ICO's accountability without undermining its independence, citing the Information Commissioner's agreement. It clarifies that the Strategic Statement of Priorities will be subject to parliamentary oversight and approval, ensuring accountability to Parliament.
20
Conclusion
Rejected
We want to see words from cross-sector stakeholders on tech abuse now leading to positive actions. The Office for Product Safety and Standards should, at the earliest opportunity, convene a “tech abuse working group” with stakeholders, bringing industry together with researchers, specialist support services and public services. This group should …
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation, stating there are no plans for OPSS to convene a tech abuse working group as aspects of tech abuse are addressed in existing policies and legal frameworks, and it is not within OPSS's primary remit.