Westminster eForum

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will discuss priorities for the new cyber security strategy as it is prepared by the Government, with its publication anticipated for later this year, following the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy.

The discussion also takes place as the Telecoms Security Bill continues its progress through Parliament. The Bill aims to improve the security of the UK’s telecommunications networks, including measures such as the introduction of Telecoms Security Requirements (TSRs) and a new general duty for Ofcom to ensure telecoms providers comply with security duties.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote addresses including:

• Developing the UK’s Cyber Security Strategy - progress and next steps - from Erika Lewis, Director, Cyber Security and Digital Identity, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Strategies for cooperation on a world stage - strengthening international partnerships, and promoting a free, open, peaceful, and secure cyberspace - from Dr Claudia Natanson, Chair, UK Cyber Security Council
• Improving the UK's cyber resilience in the face of emerging threats - from Irfan Hemani, Deputy Director - Cyber Security, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
• Managing cyber risk and underpinning digital prosperity - key considerations for the public and private sector - from Kevin Brown, Managing Director, BT Security

Attendees

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass holders from the House of Commons, and officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Competition and Markets Authority; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; the Department for International Trade; the Department of Health and Social Care; the Geospatial Commission; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; the Home Office; the Information Commissioner's Office; the National Audit Office; the National Crime Agency; the National Cyber Security Centre; Ofcom; the UK Space Agency; the Department for the Economy, NI; The Scottish Government; the Welsh Government; and the Welsh Revenue Authority. Also due to attend are representatives from Al-Hasaniya Morocan Women's Project; Baringa Partners; BCL Solicitors; Census Labs; Cheltenham Ladies' College; Cullen International SA; CyTAL; Financial Reporting Council; Ipsos MORI; Jonas Software UK; Local Government Association; LoCTA; Mayer Brown International; NATS; Omdia; Pinsent Masons; Slaughter and May; Spirent Communications; Taylor Wessing; Tendring District Council; University of Greenwich; and Yoti.

Press passes have been reserved by representatives from Diginomica; Infosecurity Magazine; and S&P Global.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will examine latest developments in biometrics and digital identity - as well as priorities for future regulation and its use in the UK.

It will be an opportunity to discuss the Government’s UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework policy paper - which sets out a framework for the principles, policies, procedures, and standards governing the use of digital identity and data, and aims to enable interoperability and increase public confidence - as the Government seeks stakeholder views before publishing the next iteration in the summer.

Speaking as it was published, the Minister for Digital Infrastructure, Matt Warman MP, said:

“Establishing trust online is absolutely essential if we are to unleash the future potential of our digital economy.

Our aim is to help people confidently verify themselves while safeguarding their privacy so we can build back better and fairer from the pandemic.”

Proposals included in the framework include:

• having a data management policy which explains how data is created, obtained, disclosed, protected, and deleted
• following industry standards and best practice for information security and encryption 
• telling the user if any changes have been made to their digital identity, for example an update to their address
• where appropriate, having a detailed account recovery process and notifying users if organisations suspect someone has fraudulently accessed their account or used their digital identity
• guidance on how to choose secure authenticators to protect online services

The conference also comes with the appointment of the new Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner, Professor Fraser Sampson, who we are pleased to be able to include as a keynote speaker at this conference.

Further keynote contributors include: Professor Watson Gandy, Chair, Home Office Biometrics and Forensic Ethics Group - as well as Dr Ana Beduschi, Associate Professor of Law, University of Exeter Law School; Julie Dawson, Head of Regulation and Policy, Yoti; Professor James Ferryman, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science; Member, Computational Vision Group, University of Reading; and Reema Patel, Associate Director, Ada Lovelace Institute.

The agenda will bring out latest thinking on:

• ethical considerations and regulatory priorities
• priorities for building robust digital identity infrastructures
• developing the market for digital identity services - including examining the role of APIs in improving privacy, security, and interoperability across online services

Attendees

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department for Education; the Government Digital Service; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; the Home Office; the Information Commissioner's Office; the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; the National Cyber Security Centre; The Scottish Government; the Welsh Government; and the Welsh Revenue Authority. Also due to attend are representatives from Baker & McKenzie; Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner; BT; Credit Suisse; Freshfields; Linklaters; Metropolitan Police Service; Monzo Bank; Pinsent Masons; Sky UK; Taylor Wessing; The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children; UK Finance; University of Aberdeen; University of Oxford and West London Centre for Counselling.

Press passes have been reserved by representatives from Infosecurity Magazine; MLex and ZDNet.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

Westminster eForum keynote seminar
Next steps for protecting children online
Morning, Tuesday, 29th June 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for developing the UK’s drone sector
Morning, Monday, 28th June 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

Westminster eForum policy conference
The future for Artificial Intelligence in the UK
Morning, Wednesday, 7th July 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for UK data protection
Morning, Wednesday, 23rd June 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for the digital payments
Morning, Thursday, 10th June 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for UK mobile - market dynamics, coverage, spectrum and 5G development
Morning, Thursday, 29th April 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference will examine the way forward for regulation and competition in digital markets, and the evolving role of platforms.

Areas for discussion include:

• the role of the Digital Markets Unit in addressing digital competition issues going forward, and what further action might be needed from policymakers and regulators
• the international regulatory landscape
• the evolving role of platforms and regulation in tackling online harm

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from: the DCMS; BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the CMA; the DfT; DHSC; the DIT; the European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom; the Government Legal Department; HMRC; HM Treasury; the Information Commissioner’s Office; the Intellectual Property Office; Ofcom; and the Prime Minister’s Office; as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.

The agenda

• Competition regulation in the global digital economy - the evolving landscape
• Developing a competition regime for digital markets in the UK
• Addressing competition issues in digital markets - setting out clear guidelines, encouraging innovation and supporting smaller enterprises, and ensuring consumer benefit
• Next steps for international collaboration and developing effective digital competition frameworks worldwide
• The evolving role of platforms in tackling online harm - setting boundaries, freedom of expression, and the future for regulation
• Key priorities for the new Digital Markets Unit and policy in the UK

Areas for discussion:

• digital competition - the international landscape, and key developments in the sector
• regulation - priorities for developing a competition regime for digital markets in the UK, and the role of the Digital Markets Unit:
  
  • a code of conduct - looking at development and enforceability of a regime for platforms funded by digital advertising that are designated as having strategic market status
  • enforcement practicalities:
    
    • assessing what powers will be needed for the Digital Market Unit to be effective
    • looking at the ability to impose financial penalties for non-compliance, and introduce pro-competitive interventions
  • regulatory agility and future proofing - how can it be ensured that the Digital Markets Unit is able to adapt to changing market conditions and dynamics
  • SMEs and new entrants - the role of any future regulation framework in addressing barriers and supporting smaller players
  • M&A activity in digital markets - assessing its impact, as well as the role of regulation in fostering innovation and safeguarding consumer benefit
• international approaches to regulation - priorities, and what can be learned from developments and practice in different territories:
  
  • the impact of the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act:
    
    • with the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, writing in a column for Politico following events early this year: ‘Just as 9/11 marked a paradigm shift for global security, 20 years later we are witnessing a before-and-after in the role of digital platforms in our democracy’
• the US regulatory framework and whether steps are needed to curb the power of Big Tech:
  
  • including potential changes to Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act - under which internet platforms can publish and moderate content from third parties without being held legally liable for what they say 
• the evolving role of platforms in tackling online harm - and implications for future regulation and liability:
  
  • freedom of expression online - following a number of platforms banning President Trump following unrest in Washington DC, and removing support for Parler
  • online harm - assessing effectiveness of strategies and actions taken so far by online platforms and social media companies in tackling online harm, disinformation and misinformation
  • how regulation in the UK will need to adapt:
    
    • as Ofcom is appointed as regulator for online harms, alongside the setting up of the Digital Market Unit
    • with the Health Secretary commenting that the action of platforms 'raises regulation questions' going forward

The context for discussion:

• UK competition watchdog warns Big Tech of coming antitrust probes - FT interview with CMA chief executive Andrea Coscelli, saying that the Authority will launch a series of antitrust investigations into Big Tech practices over the coming year
• regulating digital markets in the UK:
  
  • Oliver Dowden warns Facebook of UK crackdown on Big Tech - the Daily Telegraph reporting that the UK won’t shy away from intervening with Big Tech if it is in the public interest to do so, following the disputes between Facebook and the Australian government
  • the establishment of the Digital Markets Unit - within the Competition and Markets Authority, and designed to regulate digital markets in the UK
  • advice from the CMA’s Digital Markets Taskforce - on the design and implementation of a new regulatory regime for digital markets
  • Unlocking digital competition - the final report of the Digital Competition Expert Panel, chaired by Professor Jason Furman, which included a call for the creation of the Digital Markets Unit
  • Algorithms: How they can reduce competition and harm consumers - the CMA’s Data, Technology and Analytics (DaTA) Unit has called for views following the publication of their report, which warns that the misuse of algorithms can reduce competition online and harm consumers
• international approaches to regulation:
  
  • the European Commission’s Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act - which aim to keep digital markets and services open and contestable across the EU, address competition concerns in fast-moving digital markets, better protect consumers, and encourage transparency
  • ongoing discussion in the US about whether steps are needed to curb the power of platforms
  • dispute between the Australian government and Facebook - after introduction of draft legislation seeking to redistribute advertising revenue from Google and Facebook to news outlets
• tackling online harm and implications for regulation:
  
  • the Online Harms White Paper - with aims to protect children and vulnerable people online, plans for a new duty of care, and government commitments to publishing an Online Safety Bill, which is expected to be published this year
  • appointment of Ofcom as online harms regulator - with plans to publish its initial thinking on its approach, also this year
  • vaccine misinformation - Facebook, Twitter and Google agreeing to work with public health bodies to promote factual and reliable messages, and limit the spread of misinformation and disinformation

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, and officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Competition and Markets Authority; the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport; the Department for Health and Social Care; the Department for International Trade; the Department for Transport; the European Union Delegation to the United Kingdom; the Government Legal Department; HM Revenue & Customs; HM Treasury; the Information Commissioner's Office; the Intellectual Property Office; Ofcom; and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group including Members of both Houses of Parliament, senior government officials involved in this area of public policy, together with digital and social media platforms, consumer technology companies, digital advertising companies, data analytics companies, artificial intelligence and machine learning companies, other industry representatives from across the technology and digital sectors, lawyers and consultants with an interest in these topics, organisations and individuals representing the views of consumers and citizens, regulators, academics and reporters from the national and trade media.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for decarbonising the UK tech sector - sector decarbonisation, international leadership, and the role of technology in meeting wider green challenges
Morning, Thursday, 6th May 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.

***Full-scale policy conference taking place online***
This conference focuses on next steps for the development of immersive technologies.

The discussion takes place with immersive tech regarded by industry and policymakers as set to have a major impact on the shape of entertainment and gaming, education and training, medicine, the emergency services, and a range of wider sectors and services.

The agenda will bring out latest thinking in areas including:

• research, emerging uses and their implications for sectors and the wider economy
• priorities for funding, collaboration and what is needed to support the pace of innovation
• issues around data, ethical issues and regulation
• how the UK can realise the economic, cultural and social benefits of VR, AR, MR and haptic technology

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the CMA; the DCMS; DIT; Department for The Economy, NI; the DfT; GCHQ; HMRC; the Home Office; the IPO; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; the MOD; Ofcom; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government.

The agenda

• Developing the UK’s immersive technologies sector - progress so far and next steps for supporting innovation
• Taking forward immersive technology in the UK
  
  • Research and development in immersive technology in the UK - collaboration between universities and industry, and international partnerships
  • Funding and supporting emerging projects, and encouraging widespread uptake
• Addressing key issues around data, and wider ethical and regulatory implications of the latest developments in immersive technologies
• How can the UK realise the economic, cultural and social benefits of VR, AR, MR and haptic technology

Key areas for discussion:

• research and innovation - next steps and priorities for support, looking at:
  
  • the role of Digital Catapult - as well as tapping into the work of the Augmentor acceleration programme and Immersive Labs
  • UK competitive advantage - how best to build on strong research systems and established collaboration between the public sector, academia, and industry
  • international collaboration - the outlook for the future in the context of the end of the transition period, and the UK’s role in the international market
  • skills - next steps for developing the skills and training programmes required to support sector growth, and strategies for better working with education providers
• funding - assessing the evolving landscape:
  
  • assessing potential impact - examining new funding provision, such as from UKRI, and how it can best support innovation in the sector
  • funding distribution - how best to ensure financial support is spread effectively across the sector, as well as priorities for supporting start-ups and small businesses
  • investor relationships - making the sector attractive for investment and financing, and helping to connect businesses with prospective funding sources 
• connectivity - supporting the development of national infrastructure, such as 5G and consistent broadband, to enable sector growth 
• commercialisation - developing use cases and workable applications across diverse sectors, as well as tackling remaining technical and practical barriers to adoption and commercialisation, including:
  
  • video games and the arts - assessing the changing market and how immersive products and marketing are adapting to the impact of the pandemic
  • innovation and new opportunities - evolving the immersive tech offering, and its role in improving education and wellbeing
  • profile raising - what more can be done to demonstrate practical applications and possible use cases to support rollout
  • societal contribution - including the role of immersive tech in education and improving wellbeing, and in supporting economic recovery 
• driving growth - what more might be required from policymakers, research bodies, and businesses to support the sector and the UK’s international competitiveness going forward
• ethical and regulatory issues - how to address potential concerns around data use and protection arising from the widespread utilisation of immersive technologies, including personalised advertising, and how industry practice, regulation, and policy may need to respond

Relevant developments:

• Beyond the early adopter: widening the appeal for virtual reality - the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre (PEC) outlining key principles for overcoming barriers to the adoption of immersive technology in the cultural industries
• Government response to the DCMS Select Committee Report on Immersive and Addictive Technologies - with commitments on research, online safety, esports, disinformation and diversity
• the Digital Catapult’s ongoing work on immersive technology - including its Augmentor acceleration programme supporting start-ups, Immersive Arcade showcasing UK innovation, and promulgating latest research and best practice, including in light of COVID-19, through its Immersive Audience Journey report
• £29m government funding to boost digital revolution and help keep people safe online - announcing support through UKRI, including testing how immersive technology can improve education, following previous funding through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund
• Supporting the UK’s Wireless Future - Ofcom’s consultation on plans to manage the use of the radio spectrum over the next decade in order to meet challenges, including those arising from connected devices and new applications - including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) - driving demand for faster, more reliable, and lower or more consistent latency Wi-Fi
• AI Roadmap - the AI Council’s independent report calling on the Government to establish a UK national strategy and to scale up investment
• Virtual reality: pandemic leads to rise in headset sales to escape lockdown - reported by The Times to be up by 350%

Policy officials attending:

Our forums are known for attracting strong interest from policymakers and stakeholders. Places have been reserved by parliamentary pass-holders from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Children's Media and the Arts, and officials from BEIS; the Cabinet Office; the Competition and Markets Authority; the DCMS; the Department for International Trade; the Department for the Economy, NI; the Department for Transport; GCHQ; the Geospatial Commission; HM Revenue & Customs; the Home Office; the Intellectual Property Office; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; the Ministry of Defence; Ofcom; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government.

This is a full-scale conference taking place online***

• full, four-hour programme including comfort breaks - you’ll also get a full recording and transcript to refer back to
• information-rich discussion involving key policymakers and stakeholders
• conference materials provided in advance, including speaker biographies
• speakers presenting via webcam, accompanied by slides if they wish, using the Cisco WebEx professional online conference platform (easy for delegates - we’ll provide full details)
• opportunities for live delegate questions and comments with all speakers
• a recording of the addresses, all slides cleared by speakers, and further materials, is made available to all delegates afterwards as a permanent record of the proceedings
• delegates are able to add their own written comments and articles following the conference, to be distributed to all attendees and more widely
• networking too - there will be opportunities for delegates to e-meet and interact - we’ll tell you how!

Full information and guidance on how to take part will be sent to delegates before the conference

Westminster eForum policy conference
Next steps for supporting trade and investment for the UK tech sector
Morning, Friday, 30th April 2021

Full replays of Westminster eForum conferences are made available within one week of the live broadcast, providing a timely and permanent record of proceedings for delegates on the day, for our policymaker contacts in parliament, government and regulation, and wider stakeholders in business, advocacy groups and beyond.

Accompanying material includes a ready-reference transcript, copies of the speakers’ presentation material, the delegate information pack, and relevant articles supplied by attendees after the conference.

The agenda can be viewed here.