Even with the UK’s digital marketing sector still grappling with the aftershocks of GDPR implementation in 2018, further regulation has been brewing over recent months. The UK Government undertook a consultation on online advertising earlier this year, which it is expected to respond to imminently with new policies in mind. Indeed, it seems if not 2020, then 2021 might be the next watershed moment for the industry. Drawing from recent developments over this summer - including the latest proposals of the Competition and Markets Authority, and the evaluation of the current framework in a DCMS-commissioned study – this blog post will map out what this new wave of regulation might look like.
What’s next for the digital marketing sector, post-GDPR?
Written by Inline Policy on 09 Sep 2020
Government must take a holistic view of XR beyond just gaming
Written by Inline Policy on 24 Jun 2020
The Government responded earlier this month to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee’s recommendations on ‘immersive and addictive technologies’. While it establishes a commitment to proportionate and enabling regulations for the virtual (VR) and augmented reality (AR) industry, both the Committee and the Government miss a trick by failing to see beyond initial gaming applications. Greater understanding of the broad scope that the technology potentially offers will be critical if the UK is to sustain its status as a leader in the space.
Five tech sector winners from COVID-19
Written by Inline Policy on 30 Apr 2020
The tech sector, as all other sectors of the economy, has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, but not necessarily in a negative way. The pandemic could in fact represent an opportunity for five key tech sub-sectors to innovate their business models and show policy makers the potential of new technologies for good during (and beyond) global crises.
The intertwined futures of 5G and Augmented Reality
Written by Inline Policy on 08 May 2019
While there has been no shortage of political attention paid to the development of 5G mobile networks, a significant proportion of the UK public remain unconvinced of the benefits. Could Augmented Reality (AR) be the 'killer app' to drive 5G adoption?
Immersive Technology: the policy challenge to come
Written by Inline Policy on 10 Apr 2019
With immersive technology increasingly being used across a wide range of industries, our new report assesses the policy questions that will inevitably arise as what was previously a high-tech novelty becomes mainstream.
MPs examine impact and potential of immersive tech
Written by Inline Policy on 15 Feb 2019
In the latest sign of ramping up political interest in immersive technologies, the House of Common's Digital Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee has announced an inquiry dedicated to finding out more about the sector, and determining possible avenues for future regulation.
Beyond Data Protection: Shaping the Ethical Use of Data in the UK
Written by Inline Policy on 01 Nov 2018
How UK Government is helping virtual and augmented reality flourish
Written by Inline Policy on 24 Oct 2018
The UK Government has positioned itself an avid supporter of the immersive tech sector. It is nurturing the fledgling domestic industry through a range of mechanisms, including funding, tax incentives, mentorship and practical support.
UK kicks off review of competition in digital markets
Written by Inline Policy on 20 Sep 2018
The UK Government has engaged a panel to review competition in digital markets, and one of the key themes is the concentration of 'big tech'. With the panel tasked with consulting industry and reporting by early 2019, companies seeking to influence the panel's thinking need to get started as soon as possible.
Big tech deserves a better political debate – here’s why
Written by Inline Policy on 18 Jul 2018
Breaking up big tech has become the argument of choice by those concerned about the concentration of power and the practices of large multinationals dominating the digital sphere. But does it make sense?
The top 5 most important European Parliamentary questions for the tech sector this year
Written by Inline Policy on 10 Jul 2018
MEPs ask thousands of questions to the European Commission each year and during the 2009-2014 term of the European Parliament, over 10,000 questions were tabled. At Inline, our job is to cut through the noise, so here are the five most important questions for the tech sector in 2018.
Finding the path to ethical artificial intelligence?
Written by Inline Policy on 16 Apr 2018
Another day, another report on artificial intelligence? Not quite.
Published today, the 180-page volume by the House of Lords’ Select Committee is more than just the latest contribution to the emerging debate about the opportunities and challenges of AI. Led by experienced lawyers such as Baron Clement-Jones and renowned scholars like Lord Anthony Giddens, former director of the London School of Economics, it might well prove influential both in the UK and beyond.
Artificial intelligence: can public policy cope?
Written by Inline Policy on 12 Oct 2017
Business has long been convinced about the many opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI). Reports abound with estimates about the added value that applications powered by AI can create in the future. Literally everyone is on to it, from the dominant tech players in Silicon Valley all the way to established companies in the transport and utilities sectors. Even public authorities are joining the race. Countries as diverse as China, Canada, Germany and Singapore run significant programmes investing heavily in AI research capabilities or experimenting with early applications.