Quote:
Originally Posted by GrimUpNorth
A one size fits all approach isn't going to work when it comes to policing the internet, much the same as one size fits all doesn't work in education.
|
AIUI, those who post inappropriate things on the internet will be expected to be dealt with by site owners & managers. If this isn't done correctly, or at all, it will be site owners/managers who will face the possibility of fines, imprisonment etc.
This action will be expected whether or not the offending material has been brought to their attention.
After consultation with Ofcom, I hope that, where appropriate, education, support, guidance and advice would be given to those who haven't removes material, not out of malice or personal prejudices, but because they were not able to grasp that something posted was harmful and the reasons why.
Some things will be clear cut, such as incitement to racial hatred, illegal pornography, attempts to scam people etc, but some may not have the life experience, to know the correct way, for example, to speak to a disabled person or understand the issues that they face if they have no experience of interacting with such people.
One of the constant things that I experience when asking for help (both on and offline) is for it to be refused on the grounds that 'they do not treat disabled people any differently' because 'it's the law'. When I point out that this is nonsense, (and illegal) and that treating someone equally is not the same as treating them the same and ask what training they have had of the Equality Act, the answer is often 'what's that?'!
Thankfully, most change their attitude after various things are pointed out. A minority do not, such as one of my banking providers and an NHS provider (who you really would have thought would know better) who have now had legal proceedings issued against them.
In essence, I do agree with what you say in the sense that, wherever possible, education is a better way to make change before using the heavy hand of the law. Some people may genuinely not know the harm that they are causing; this may be due to thoughtlessness or because they regard what they are doing as a bit of fun.
Government resources to help to train/educate siteowners/managers/users would be a good start.