Ms Celene Craig:

In practical terms, we do not believe that is workable when one considers the number of complaints received on a daily basis by an online platform. Insofar as the matters in the scope of the audiovisual media services directive are concerned, where complaints could originate from all over Europe in relation to lots of different pieces of content across multiple platforms, we believe the scale of the problem is not something which any regulator, no matter how well resourced, would be able to deal with. We strongly believe the role of a new regulator will be to ensure that the platforms have in place adequate systems to deal speedily and urgently with complaints that fall on their lap. Beyond the platforms, there is potentially a requirement for independent dispute resolution mechanisms, mediation and other means of resolution. However, we do not believe a media regulator could cope with the scale of complaints that would be likely to arise.

As I stated, it is not workable when one considers the level of complaint activity on any one day and any one platform. However, that does not mean the platforms are being left to regulate themselves. The committee should not underestimate the significance of the legislation in terms of providing for the first time, and certainly almost for the first time on a Europe-wide basis, such a significant holding to account of the online platforms in respect of their activities.