Shadow Minister for DCMS, Lord Howard of Rising said…

“… this new duty will extend Ofcom’s duty to promote investment to specific web services meeting specific public service definitions only. However, Section 264(6) in the Communications Act defines public service as content that covers: education and entertainment; cultural activity; civic understanding; sporting and other leisure interests; science, religion and other beliefs… These are broad categories and are difficult to reconcile with the Government’s statement that they will apply to specific web services only. Will Ofcom have a duty to promote investment in political blogs such as ConservativeHome or Guido Fawkes..?