Kendal announces new investigation into ICO culture, Edwards not going quietly

In a wide-ranging session at the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, chaired by Dame Chi Onwurah, Liz Kendall, the Secretary of State for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, announced an independent investigation into the culture, accountability, and governance at the Information Commissioner's Office (from 11:02). 

The new investigation comes in the wake of the resignation of former Information Commissioner John Edwards, after an independent HR investigation found there is a case to answer into undisclosed allegations of inappropriate use of sexual language, harassment, bullying and discrimination. Astonishingly, Kendal admitted to being appalled by reports that Edwards is preparing to "serve legal papers on one of the women at the ICO who raised concerns about his behaviour earlier this year."

In addition to the new investigation, Kendall also revealed that efforts are underway to recruit a new Chair of the Information Commission along with an entirely new board of non-executive directors, the majority of whom will be women.

Ahead of this (starting around 10:21), Kendal faced questions regarding online safety in which the committee scrutinised the government's proposed social media ban for children under 16. In response to concerns about the effectiveness of the potential ban, Kendal acknowledged that children will likely continue to find ways to access online platforms despite the restrictions. It is because children will find ways to circumvent the ban that Kendal stressed the future enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA) by the communications regulator, Ofcom, is critical. If Ofcom gets this right, future generations will see the positive impacts. Asked why a ban is necessary, Kendal responded that social media companies had their chance to make their platforms safe and they failed. They've had "countless opportunities, and they failed," she told the committee.  

On protecting democracy, the committee expressed a broader concern for protecting society as a whole, rather than focusing solely on children, and pushed for principles-based legislation. Kendal responded, saying that DSIT is drawing up plans to tackle deepfakes, AI labelling, and improve transparency. However, on countering online misinformation and disinformation, Kendal stated that while her department is looking at ways to boost trusted sources of information, without negatively impacting freedom of expression, the OSA still applies and that she intends to make this legislation work. 

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