Back in July 2020, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Office of Communications (Ofcom) joined forces to launch the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum (DRCF) with the aim of pursuing a joined-up approach to the regulation of digital and online services.
The DRCF has now launched its first annual plan of work, outlining the new forum’s priorities for the 2021/2022 financial year and how it plans to address the unique challenges posed by the regulation of online platforms.
A press release announcing the launch of the plan, put out by the CMA and also by the ICO, notes that:
‘Online services are playing an ever-more central role in our lives, and the digital landscape is developing at pace. There is a need for a more coherent, coordinated and clear regulatory approach – for the good of internet users and the companies who serve them.
‘Today’s DRCF workplan for 2021/22 sets out a roadmap for how Ofcom, the CMA and the ICO will greatly increase the scope and scale of their co-operation. This will involve pooling expertise and resources, working more closely together on online regulatory matters of mutual importance, and reporting on results annually.
‘The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has been an observer member of the DRCF since the outset and will also join as a full member from April 2021.’
The DRCF is inviting comments and discussion on its plan of work. These should be submitted to DRCF@ofcom.org.uk.
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