UK.gov plans to unveil a new Digital Bill

It's the Ministry of Fun to the rescue, folks

Exclusive The government wants to introduce a Digital Bill, sources familiar with its plans have revealed to The Register.

The timescale would most likely see legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech in May 2017.

The Ministry of Fun, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, is co-ordinating the exploratory work. Nothing has been definitely included, sources say, and trade groups are being canvassed.

The intention is to create a portmanteau bill for measures such as child protection, broadband, and any spectrum issues that might be needed.

The government did announce its intention to legislate on smut filters last year.

Culture and Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey – the longest-serving ever Minister of Fun – launched a surprise consultation over Christmas, when everyone was on holiday. It called for opinions on a "UK Digital Strategy”.

The timescale means the Digital Act won’t be as ambitious as the sprawling Digital Economy Act which was passed during the wash-up period of the 2009/2010 Parliament, we’re told.

But it will have "Digital" in it, which is really important. ®