Ofcom, the ICO and the CMA strengthen their collaboration to better monitor online services.
Regulators in different areas look to cooperate more closely: As regulators around the world grapple with the issue of regulating digital platforms, authorities with different remits are increasingly required to join forces when tackling harms that may arise from lack of competition, extensive collection of data, and exposure to harmful content. For example, the Inquiry on Digital Platforms carried out by the Australian Competition Authority in 2019 called for an update of the privacy laws, as well as the involvement of the media and communications regulator in overseeing platforms’ conduct.
The three UK regulators join forces: On 1 July 2020, the communications regulator, Ofcom, the Information Commissioner Office (ICO) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced the creation of a Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF). The forum will aim to harness the regulators’ collective expertise where data, privacy, competition, communications and content interact. In a statement, the three regulators have outlined how they will work together to support effective and efficient regulation across the digital landscape, while exploring emerging regulatory policy challenges and encouraging innovation. The DRCF set out six objectives. These include: collaborate to advance a coherent regulatory approach; inform regulatory policy making; enhance regulatory capabilities; anticipate future developments; promote innovation; and strengthen international engagement.
How will the DCRF work? The DCRF is a non-statutory body, which means it is not a decision-making body and will not provide formal advice or direction to members. In addition to the core members of the DRCF, it is anticipated that cooperation with other networks and regulators is likely to be appropriate. The DRCF will engage regularly with the Government and will invite Director Generals from the DCMS to participate in meetings on a periodic basis.
