UK Music says Government must not waste 'once-in-a-generation opportunity' to protect our culture and creative industries from online harm

08 April 2019 - Press release

UK Music has welcomed the Government's proposals to make big tech take greater responsibility for content they host, but urged the Government to widen the legislation to include the impact of economic harm.

 

CEO Michael Dugher said: 

"UK Music strongly supports the Government in their efforts to properly regulate the internet and protect people from online harm.

"It is vital that big tech starts taking far more responsibility for the activities that it allows and supports online.

"We would urge the Government and Members of Parliament to widen the scope of future legislation to also include action to prevent online harm that is damaging our economy.

"The creative industries are worth over £100 billion to UK plc and music alone contributes £4.5 billion to our economy. A strong economy and a civilised society relies on protecting our culture and our creativity.

"It is vital that these reforms are broadened to force platforms to protect the creative work and intellectual property of our music creators. Without this we will fail to tackle piracy and organised crime, and we risk damaging investment, innovation and the future talent pipeline on which Britain's world-leading music industry depends.

"The Government must not waste this once-in-a-generation opportunity."