Help me create a list of Digital Pledges on UserVoice

yiy67775

2010-04-17T13:36:58-07:00

I will oppose measures that unjustly deny people’s access to the Internet [updated]

2010-04-13T15:23:25-07:00

Benjamin Ellis said:

Given a (sensible) push to deliver more and more government services on-line, any attempt to block that access is a form of digital exclusion, and one that increases government's own service delivery costs. Given that increasing numbers of files are exchanged locally device to device (without the need for the Internet), blocking Internet access is a futile piracy counter measure.

I believe that copyright laws should be reformed to reflect needs of citizens in the Internet age [updated]

2010-04-13T15:20:06-07:00

Benjamin Ellis said:

Would be good to see a prohibition on software patents, but I assume this would have to be at a European level.

I support the adoption of Creative Commons as a licence for creative and administrative works [updated]

2010-04-13T15:18:03-07:00

Assists with enabling access to original works, and provides a foundation for adaptation.

Benjamin Ellis said:

I would prefer to see a more intermediate license, perhaps something that grants non-commercial use to all, and commercial use to UK business and citizens. Not that I want to appear protectionist, but if UK citizens and businesses paid for works (through taxes, etc...), it should be open to other entities to profit from the data or commercial exploit it.

I will ensure that all those in my constituency have access to the highest speed broadband possible. [updated]

2010-04-13T14:49:56-07:00

Access to good broadband should be a right of priority for all those living in the UK, to enable connected communities, efficient, globally competitive businesses & effective entrepreneurial opportunities for all ages.

Simon Thompson said:

I agree with Howard. There needs to be sufficient competition and reward to ensure provision of broadband in rural and other disenfranchised areas. Telcos should accept their responsibilities.

I will introduce a bill of rights covering data and communication. [updated]

2010-04-13T07:31:13-07:00

Basic rights and principles which ensure that application of the law is proportionate and takes into account its impact on lawful freedom of expression, creativity and communication.

tomatosquid said:

I guess I am imagining an ideal world where someone such as yourself who understands the issues is in a position to put forward new legislation. In my view Libel, Digital Economy, Data Protection, Freedom of Information all go together here - in each case application of the law can have an adverse impact (probably unintended) on lawful activity and freedom.

I will support all measures that allow people access to their personal data held by others [updated]

2010-04-13T07:23:43-07:00

I further support restoration of control over how personal data is gathered, managed and shared to the individual.

tomatosquid said:

@wmheath If used for big business and big government, no problem. If that is what is intended, these limits need to be written into the proposal otherwise as we have learned from other legislation there is a danger that small organizations and individuals will face disproportionate costs and bureaucracy associated with compliance; the effect will be to limit the extent to which they can engage with digital innovation. Otherwise, what is to stop someone demanding that the milkman, newsagent, schoolteacher, doctor or local MP collates and delivers any personal information they hold, regardless of its sensitivity or value?

Promote the use of open standards in the public sector

2010-04-13T06:55:09-07:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Open standards are critical to ensuring equality of access in the digital age. Proprietary standards should have no place in the public sector.

To teach MPs the wonder of the internet then they will stop trying to control IT, they don't get IT. [updated]

2010-04-13T02:07:49-07:00

Having watched the fiasco that was the digitial economy bill go through the Lords and the Commons it is clear that the folk in Westminster haven't got a clue about digital britain. I would make it compulsory for them to learn. And quickly, before we are left out in the cold, a thirdworld country, cut off from the digital economy by dinosaurs.

Paul Webster said:

Great idea, happy to be involved in this too (i'm @watfordgap BTW)

I will ensure that all those in my constituency have access to the highest speed broadband possible. [updated]

2010-04-13T00:17:59-07:00

Tom Watson said:

Hi Howard, I can't ensure that but I can campaign for it.

Ensure government policy on copyright and internet access is not determined by copyright holders [updated]

2010-04-13T00:17:31-07:00

Government policy on access to copyrighted works (including the number of years copyright applies) appears to be determined by copyright holders; with no consideration of the impact on the wider community

Tom Watson said:

The lobby over the Digital Economy Bill was unpleasant. We need to make sure that all voices are heard in a new copyright settlement.

I will introduce a bill of rights covering data and communication. [updated]

2010-04-13T00:16:06-07:00

Basic rights and principles which ensure that application of the law is proportionate and takes into account its impact on lawful freedom of expression, creativity and communication.

Tom Watson said:

I know the point you're trying to make but introducing legislation will get nowhere if I don't have a majority of votes. You can use "10 minute rule BIlls" to highlight important issues though. This idea is perfect for it.

I will support all proposals that lead to greater numbers of people joining the digital world [updated]

2010-04-13T00:13:55-07:00

And oppose measures that reduce it

Tom Watson said:

Yes, thanks Paul. Agree with all of that. I need to find a pithy form of words to articulate that idea.

To teach MPs the wonder of the internet then they will stop trying to control IT, they don't get IT. [updated]

2010-04-13T00:12:34-07:00

Tom Watson said:

I'm really up for trying to organise cross-party social media surgeries. Hope to talk further with @johnpopham and @podnosh on Twitter after the election. I'm certain that MPs of all parties would really value this kind of engagement.

I will support all measures that allow people access to their personal data held by others [updated]

2010-04-12T16:12:06-07:00

I further support restoration of control over how personal data is gathered, managed and shared to the individual.

wmheath said:

This is surely about single-button subject access requests from major public services, and then in due course about driving public services from personal portable healthm education records. It's about smart meters where the homeowner who pays the bills owns and controls the data, not the government and not the energy company. It's about individuals realising the value of their own data. This is really important, and forward looking. It's not about the milkman (but hey - I wish I had one!)

Use Open Source software as 1st choice when possible & pass redundant equipmement to community orgs [updated]

2010-04-12T16:10:55-07:00

To use Open Source operating systems and softwhere as a first choice whenever possible and not to rollover to a propriatary supplier. To consider the carbon footprint of equipment use and either extend its life within government or pass it for reuse by community and voluntary sector organisations

Dave Levy said:

It is probably more important that data is held in open data formats, or formats that can be interpreted by multiply sourced open source code. There's no point opening government data if you don't control the data format license or the license of the code that reads the data. Government data should not be put into proprietary data formats.

I believe that copyright laws should be reformed to reflect needs of citizens in the Internet age [updated]

2010-04-12T16:00:58-07:00

Dave Levy said:

Possibly my No. 1 as well. We need a rock solid consumer Fair Use rights, maybe everyone should get a non-commercial, derivatives allowed right to use digital content, may be it needs to be put in the context of a "first sale" doctrine, but copyright periods should be drastically reduced, there needs to be a duty of maintenance, and copyright holders should not be allowed to sell the right pursue those in breach of what remains.

I will support all proposals that lead to greater numbers of people joining the digital world [updated]

2010-04-12T15:38:55-07:00

And oppose measures that reduce it

Paul Webster said:

To this I would add.
Give support for unheard voices – not calling them ‘hard to reach’ (those working in the community don’t find them ‘hard’) but these groups and individuals need support to use technology to project and direct their views appropriately.

Also recognition that not everyone is a well skilled and a regular computer user so give priority and support through Digital Inclusion activities to help them.

Use Open Source software as 1st choice when possible & pass redundant equipmement to community orgs

2010-04-12T15:33:32-07:00

Paul Webster suggested:
To use Open Source operating systems and softwhere as a first choice whenever possible and not to rollover to a propriatary supplier. To consider the carbon footprint of equipment use and either extend its life within government or pass it for reuse by community and voluntary sector organisations

To teach MPs the wonder of the internet then they will stop trying to control IT, they don't get IT. [updated]

2010-04-12T15:18:09-07:00

Paul Webster said:

There are some basic computing ideas that need to be learnt. For example what IP stands for and the difference between Megabytes and Megabits!
I would like to see MPs attending some form of Social Media Surgery, either centrally in Parliament or in their constituency alongside local the people and the local communities they are there to support.

I will oppose volume litigation where due process and right to individual hearing is suppressed.

2010-04-12T13:28:40-07:00

an anonymous user suggested:
To prevent actions by ACS:Law and similar with poor evidence, there is a need to prevent action taken at volume. If a legal case is sufficiently sound costs can be recovered, there is no need for economies of scale practices.

I will support measures to make publicly funded research available to UK taxpayers at low or no cost [updated]

2010-04-12T13:03:27-07:00

cameronneylon said:

As a UK scientist arguing for this kind of thing I strongly support this - but it is a lot more complex than the others as much of this is beyond simple parliamentary control. What I'd certainly like to see is a presumption of public access to the final outputs of publicly funded research (except where ethical and personal data issues preclude it) and a general push towards doing much better on the interim results as they come out - or if they've never formally released. Much opportunity for improving the efficiency of publicly funded research.

i pledge to uphold "Article 15 of the E-Commerce Directive

2010-04-12T06:20:50-07:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Article 15 of the E-Commerce Directive explicitly prohibits Member States from imposing a general obligation on providers of services ... to monitor the information which they transmit or store or a general obligation actively to seek facts or circumstances indicting illegal activity.

I believe that copyright laws should be reformed to reflect needs of citizens in the Internet age [updated]

2010-04-12T06:03:29-07:00

phayes said:

Further to my comment on your blog, you might find this useful/interesting: http://www.thersa.org/projects/past-projects/adelphi-charter

I will support all measures to bring non-personal government data into the public domain [updated]

2010-04-12T04:38:29-07:00

John said:

Seconded, but please also couple it with a commitment that government has a business doing this itself. Farming stuff out piecemeal and to pay providers brings much less gain than doing it joined up, open and free to use. http://www.johninnit.co.uk/2010/04/12/id-vote-for-that-tom-watsons-digital-pledges/

Ensure government policy on copyright and internet access is not determined by copyright holders

2010-04-12T04:36:46-07:00

Colin suggested:
Government policy on access to copyrighted works (including the number of years copyright applies) appears to be determined by copyright holders; with no consideration of the impact on the wider community

To create conditions for digital start ups and developers to grow and prosper in the UK

2010-04-12T04:30:14-07:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Lets stand up for the developers and engineers not just the creative industries

I will ensure that access to free knowledge on the web is equally available to all

2010-04-12T01:35:24-07:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Access to books, knowledge and encyclopaedias are no longer dependent on wealth or location. The web is the key to access to this info for all.

pursue the transformation of public service using p2p support and user involvement

2010-04-12T00:23:28-07:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Existing public service delivery models are largely top-down and wasteful. There is huge scope for involving people in the design and delivery of their own services, and this could be an important source of both savings and improvements.

I will promote a wider use of interactivity in public policy and service design. [updated]

2010-04-11T14:54:26-07:00

For too long, public policy and service design has been monopolised by civil servants, the political class and the commerical organisations that have the resources to lobby and win tenders. It is time that all policy deliberations and the design of public services should be thrown open to the public in a creative way that harnesses the potential of read-write media and other suitable tools.

tomatosquid said:

Great idea, and this is a good example.

I will support all measures that allow people access to their personal data held by others [updated]

2010-04-11T13:17:03-07:00

I further support restoration of control over how personal data is gathered, managed and shared to the individual.

Mark Goodge said:

I broadly agree with tomatosquid here. While I support the principle of access to personal data, I can foresee it becoming a significant regulatory burden on smaller businesses and sole traders unless the scope is clearly defined. Even with the ability to levy a charge for the provision of information, it's still a major time waster for a business with few staff. I think there has to be some kind of exclusion for information that's simply too trivial to need that level of control.

I will not allow the blocking of websites for alleged copyright infringement

2010-04-11T12:58:27-07:00

an anonymous user suggested:
Regardless of other reasons to block websites such as child pornography or national security, alleged copyright infringement should not be grounds to censor the internet.

The Internet shall be built and operated openly and without discrimination [updated]

2010-04-11T12:32:27-07:00

tomatosquid said:

I didn't really understand this until I read Pauline Rigby's comment. It's important that a full internet service is available to all on the same terms. I think any discrimination would probably be covered by current anti-discrimination legislation.

I will support all measures that allow people access to their personal data held by others [updated]

2010-04-11T12:28:04-07:00

I further support restoration of control over how personal data is gathered, managed and shared to the individual.

tomatosquid said:

I agree with the general principle, and it is sensible for e.g., large commercial and government organisations. But without wishing to labour the point, the danger is that unless limits are placed on this type of provision, the costs do not scale with the amount of data held, or the number of applications to access the data. Everyone, you, the newsagent, the milkman has to put in complicated mechanisms for finding and collating all the personal data just *in case* someone asks. A lot of data is uncontentious and obvious (e.g., the newsagent knowing your name and address so that s/he can deliver the paper, your website storing my email address so that I can login and comment) and this sort of data ought to be excluded from unnecessary, costly and potentially malicious scrutiny.

I believe that copyright laws should be reformed to reflect needs of citizens in the Internet age [updated]

2010-04-11T11:56:27-07:00

Tom Watson said:

Thanks all. I want to move to a fair use style reform but think a general statement makes the point. Will think how I can include these points. A friend also reminded me that software patents should also be included in the statement. I'll make sure I refine it.

I will support measures to make publicly funded research available to UK taxpayers at low or no cost [updated]

2010-04-11T11:53:25-07:00

Tom Watson said:

A simple but incredibly profound point. I'll try and weave it into the list. Thanks David.

I will support all measures that allow people access to their personal data held by others [updated]

2010-04-11T11:52:06-07:00

I further support restoration of control over how personal data is gathered, managed and shared to the individual.

Tom Watson said:

OK, I get the point. But FOI allows a reasonable cost charge. Last time I ordered a paper copy it was 10p a sheet for example. Yet I understand the point you make.

I will promote a wider use of interactivity in public policy and service design.

2010-04-11T11:51:29-07:00

Paul Evans suggested:
For too long, public policy and service design has been monopolised by civil servants, the political class and the commerical organisations that have the resources to lobby and win tenders. It is time that all policy deliberations and the design of public services should be thrown open to the public in a creative way that harnesses the potential of read-write media and other suitable tools.

Contracts for Government IT projects should be easier for small to medium companies to win. [updated]

2010-04-11T11:50:36-07:00

Not only would this stimulate the economy it would be more cost effective for tax payers.

Tom Watson said:

Message received on this pledge. I'll make sure that something on this is included. Thanks for the idea.

I will ensure that transparency rules are extended to everyone who influences public policy.

2010-04-11T11:44:06-07:00

Paul Evans suggested:
Commercial organisations spend £millions on campaigns and lobbying. Newspaper proprietors promote their commercial interests at the expense of the public interest. I will campaign to ensure that they are under the same level of scrutiny that applies to elected representatives,

I will ensure that all those in my constituency have access to the highest speed broadband possible.

2010-04-11T10:58:21-07:00

Howard J Moorey suggested:
Access to good broadband should be a right of priority for all those living in the UK, to enable connected communities, efficient, globally competitive businesses & effective entrepreneurial opportunities for all ages.

I believe that copyright laws should be reformed to reflect needs of citizens in the Internet age [updated]

2010-04-11T10:14:32-07:00

cyberdoyle said:

Essential pledge, the current copyright laws are out of date, and the seriously flawed digital economy bill serves to prop up the obsolete business model of the music industry et al.
It is time for an update and reboot. Great pledge, it gets my vote. Wish I lived in your constituency and you would get my vote in the election too, as it is I can't vote labour because my mp couldn't even be bothered turning up to debate it. She still gets her emails on dead trees. None of the staff in her office knew anything about it either.

I will introduce a bill of rights covering data and communication.

2010-04-11T10:13:18-07:00

tomatosquid suggested:
Basic rights and principles which ensure that application of the law is proportionate and takes into account its impact on lawful freedom of expression, creativity and communication.

To teach MPs the wonder of the internet then they will stop trying to control IT, they don't get IT.

2010-04-11T10:07:50-07:00

final third first suggested:
Having watched the fiasco that was the digitial economy bill go through the Lords and the Commons it is clear that the folk in Westminster haven't got a clue about digital britain. I would make it compulsory for them to learn. And quickly, before we are left out in the cold, a thirdworld country, cut off from the digital economy by dinosaurs.

I will support all measures that allow people access to their personal data held by others [updated]

2010-04-11T09:56:17-07:00

I further support restoration of control over how personal data is gathered, managed and shared to the individual.

tomatosquid said:

Any legislation needs to ensure that the costs of these measures are limited and proportionate. Tom, think how much it would cost you and your staff to allow people access to all the data you hold on them. What about the local newsagent or milkman?

I will support measures to make publicly funded research available to UK taxpayers at low or no cost [updated]

2010-04-11T09:51:37-07:00

tomatosquid said:

So far as published scientific research is concerned, this means supporting open manuscript repositories, open access journals and/or new hybrid publication models.

The Internet shall be built and operated openly and without discrimination [updated]

2010-04-11T09:38:48-07:00

Stubbs said:

Excellent, I think it's important we don't get into a situation where some accounts don't have access to certain resources based on what people pay for them, amongst others.

I will support all measures to bring non-personal government data into the public domain [updated]

2010-04-11T09:26:07-07:00

Baskers said:

I wholly support this. I think it's fantastic what data.gov.uk & Rewired State are doing - but it's still seen as something that 'geeks' do, and that no-one is really bothered about it.

I disagree, I think that opening this data up will drive creativity, ideas, perhaps spark interest in areas of policy that are long neglected. There are hundreds, thousands of datasets in Government that perhaps aren't being used in the best way - not that this is a slur on civil servants, they are often too busy, or don't have the necessary skills to exploit the data, or it isn't within their remit to do so.

Lets see what can be done once the data is out there. There are whole communities of people out there with the skills, talent and time to turn these publically owned datasets into something that perhaps we can all benefit from?

Contracts for Government IT projects should be easier for small to medium companies to win. [updated]

2010-04-11T09:19:26-07:00

Not only would this stimulate the economy it would be more cost effective for tax payers.

Baskers said:

I completely agree in this. I have worked in Government on several IT implementations and have found that from a client perspective/end user I have had a far more satisfactory relationship with smaller/medium companies who try and deliver what has been asked, and demonstrated value for money - unlike other larger companies who have just given me generic solutions, generic presentations, generic process flows and who haven't truly engaged in the 'business', which hasn't represented value for money.

However I wonder *how* we can go about this given the complex procurement process that all Depts have to go through and our approach to 'risk managment' - but it's an area that I think does need looked at.

I believe fostering entrepreneurship & supporting entrepreneurs is central to the digital economy

2010-04-11T08:36:15-07:00