Ms Karen White:

We follow similar procedures in that respect, with due legal process and working with law enforcement, for example, if we receive a court order. We have already had much debate with other members of this committee about the introduction of verification and some form of digital ID. The European Commission is looking at the issue. It must weigh up the benefits of introducing a harmonised system of digital ID across Europe. We are very much looking at how something like that could be applied globally, because that is what we would need to do.

I have mentioned some of the challenges in respect of collecting additional data, for example, government ID, but introducing that kind of verification mechanism where we might have to register individuals who use our service could also have severe implications for human rights activists, dissidents and in countries like Russia where similar requests have been made to us. There is a balance to be struck and much more consultation and debate are needed on the benefits. I understand many of the arguments made by Professor Carthy. I looked at last week's session. We take the points the Chairman has made onboard. Unfortunately, there is no simple solution but we can commit to continuing discussion and collaboration to find a solution in this very important area.