At their annual conference on Monday, the Liberal Democrats unveiled a series of policy proposals aimed at addressing voter confusion regarding the party’s stance and objectives. According to The Guardian, Ed Davey’s party intends to impose a levy on major technology firms to underwrite the creation of a dedicated Online Crime Agency.
Max Wilkinson, the Lib Dems’ home affairs spokesperson, is set to announce the plan. The proposed agency would focus on combating severe digital offenses, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material, drug and weapons trafficking conducted through online channels, and the proliferation of deepfake AI-generated pornography.
Wait, so the levy funds the agency that regulates the same companies being taxed? Isn’t that a bit circular? How does this actually work?
This is long overdue. Deepfake abuse is destroying lives, and big tech profits should help fund the solution. Finally, accountability.
Another agency? We already have the NCA. Just enforce existing laws instead of creating bureaucratic bloat and new taxes.