Google says Communications Bill should protect 'open' websites

Google has urged the Government to ensure that any changes to the planned Communications Bill do not damage websites such as Youtube and Facebook.

A major review is currently looking at the UK communications sector, including new digital media, with a view to reforming legislation. It will also look to deregulate where required in order to promote economic growth. The results of this review, together with consultation, will eventually form the basis of the Communications Bill.

Sarah Hunter, Google's head of public policy in the UK, said that 'open platform' websites are the "jam in the sandwich" that make the internet work. She added that any legislation included in the new Communications Bill must take these websites and services into account.

"The Government can't make policy for the media industry without considering the wider impact of those policies on other bits of the industry that need the internet to survive," she said.

Hunter continued by saying that the new bill should "protect open platforms... which the broadband providers and content providers need so desperately to survive."

She added that Google was worried about potential changes to data protection regulations currently being suggested in Europe, claiming they could undermine the advertising industry that funds websites such as Google, Youtube and Facebook.

"It is incredibly important that we have sensible data protection laws."

She said that free services such as Youtube relied on access to data "where individuals share their information online willingly and knowingly", adding that this was "the only way to make money on the internet."