Technology & Digital
Commons business tagged with this topic — 25 items.
Upcoming (9)
- Private Members' BillsFri, 29 May 2026
Social Media (Access to Accounts) Bill: Second Reading
This private members' bill would require social media platforms to grant law enforcement and child safety authorities access to user accounts during investigations into child sexual abuse and exploitation. The bill aims to close a gap where platforms' encryption and privacy protections currently prevent investigators from accessing evidence held in private messages and accounts, even with legal authority. The tension is between child protection and user privacy.
- Westminster Hall debateThu, 21 May 2026
Censorship of women’s health and wellbeing content online
This Westminster Hall debate examines how online platforms are censoring or restricting women's health and wellbeing content, including information on menstruation, menopause, contraception, and reproductive health. The debate will explore whether current content moderation policies inadvertently suppress legitimate health information and what steps the government should take to ensure women can access accurate health guidance online.
- Oral questionsThu, 21 May 2026— Business and Trade
Business and Trade (including Topical Questions)
MPs will question the Secretary of State for Business and Trade on departmental priorities and current issues affecting the business sector, trading relationships, and economic policy. Topical questions allow backbenchers to raise pressing concerns about business regulation, trade agreements, industrial strategy, and economic competitiveness without notice.
- Oral evidenceWed, 20 May 2026
Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls: Critical minerals
A Business and Trade Sub-Committee meeting to examine economic security policy, military and defence exports, and arms control frameworks. The committee will scrutinise how the UK manages the intersection of trade, national security, and export regulation—particularly in sensitive sectors like defence technology and dual-use goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
- Oral evidenceWed, 20 May 2026
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee: Pre-appointment hearing for the Chair of Ofcom
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will hold a pre-appointment hearing to scrutinise the candidate nominated to chair Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator. The hearing allows MPs to question the appointee on their plans for regulating telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services before the government formally confirms their appointment. This is a standard parliamentary check on major public appointments.
- Oral evidenceWed, 20 May 2026
Scottish Affairs Committee: Connectivity in Scotland: Fixed links
The Scottish Affairs Committee is holding oral evidence sessions on fixed links connectivity in Scotland—examining physical infrastructure and network connections that enable reliable broadband and telecommunications access across the country. The inquiry focuses on how Scotland's geography, sparse population in rural areas, and existing infrastructure gaps affect the rollout and quality of fixed-line services to homes and businesses.
- Oral questionsWed, 20 May 2026— Science, Innovation and Technology
Science, Innovation and Technology (including Topical Questions)
MPs will pose oral questions to the Science, Innovation and Technology department about current priorities and policy challenges in scientific research, technological development, and innovation. The session includes topical questions, allowing MPs to raise urgent or emerging issues affecting the sector. This is a routine accountability mechanism for holding the department to account on its performance and strategic direction.
- Oral evidenceTue, 19 May 2026
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee: Innovation and global food security
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will hear oral evidence on how innovation can help secure global food supplies. The inquiry examines the role of new technologies—such as precision agriculture, plant breeding, and digital farming systems—in boosting crop yields, reducing waste, and building resilience to climate shocks. The focus is whether UK research and industry can lead in developing and exporting these solutions.
- Oral evidenceTue, 19 May 2026
Business and Trade Committee: China and the UK economy
A private meeting of the Business and Trade Committee scheduled for 19 May 2026. The committee oversees UK trade policy, business regulation, and industrial strategy. Without a published agenda, the specific topics under discussion are not yet public, but the committee typically examines trade negotiations, competitiveness, investment, and sectoral issues affecting British business.
Past (16)
- Oral evidenceWed, 13 May 2026
Education Committee: Reading for Pleasure
The Education Committee will take oral evidence on the effects of screen time and social media on children and young people. The hearing will examine how excessive digital device use and social media exposure affect learning, mental health, and development, and what policy or regulatory responses might be needed.
- Oral questionsWed, 6 May 2026— Science, Innovation and TechnologyCancelled
Science, Innovation and Technology (including Topical Questions)
This is a general oral question session with topical questions focused on science, innovation and technology policy. MPs will question the Science, Innovation and Technology department on current priorities, government strategy, and emerging issues in these areas. Topical questions allow MPs to raise urgent, timely matters without advance notice.
- Oral questionsThu, 30 Apr 2026— Business and TradeCancelled
Business and Trade (including Topical Questions)
This is a parliamentary question session where MPs quiz the Business and Trade Secretary on current departmental matters affecting UK commerce, industry, and trade policy. Topical questions allow MPs to raise urgent or emerging issues without advance notice, making this an opportunity to scrutinise government action on business competitiveness, trade deals, investment, and sector support.
- Oral evidenceWed, 29 Apr 2026Cancelled
Environmental Audit Committee: Risks and opportunities to the sustainability of data centres in the UK
The Environmental Audit Committee is gathering oral evidence on the sustainability risks and opportunities presented by data centres in the UK. Data centres consume significant energy and resources, raising questions about their environmental impact and how they can be made more sustainable as digital demand grows.
- Oral evidenceTue, 28 Apr 2026
Business and Trade Committee: Industrial Strategy
This is a private meeting of the Business and Trade Committee, a select committee responsible for scrutinising government policy and performance on business, trade, and enterprise matters. The committee examines issues affecting the UK's economic competitiveness, trade relationships, and business environment.
- Westminster Hall debateTue, 28 Apr 2026
UK-India Technology Security Initiative
A Westminster Hall debate on the UK-India Technology Security Initiative, exploring enhanced technological and security cooperation between the UK and India. The debate will examine the strategic partnership's scope, implementation, and implications for both nations' technological sovereignty and defence capabilities.
- Oral evidenceTue, 28 Apr 2026
Education Committee: Screen Time and Social Media
The Education Committee is conducting oral evidence sessions to investigate the effects of screen time and social media on young people. This inquiry will examine how digital devices and social platforms impact children's wellbeing, development, and educational outcomes, and will likely explore what regulatory or policy measures should be considered.
- Ministerial statementThu, 23 Apr 2026
Research institution protocol
Ian Murray is making a ministerial statement on research institution protocol. This appears to concern the governance, operational standards, or regulatory framework affecting UK research institutions, possibly including universities and research bodies. The statement will outline the government's position or new guidance on how these institutions should operate.
- Urgent questionWed, 22 Apr 2026
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will make a statement on modernising public procurement
Labour MP Leigh Ingham is requesting a statement from the Cabinet Office Minister on modernising public procurement processes. This urgent question seeks to understand the government's plans to reform how public sector organisations buy goods and services, likely focusing on efficiency, transparency, and use of digital tools.
- Oral evidenceWed, 22 Apr 2026
Science, Innovation and Technology Committee: Pre-appointment hearing: UK Research and Innovation chair
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee is conducting a pre-appointment hearing for the chair of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the body that funds and coordinates research across the UK. This is a formal scrutiny process where the committee will examine the candidate's qualifications, vision, and suitability before they take the role.
- Oral evidenceTue, 21 Apr 2026
Business and Trade Committee: China and the UK economy
The Business and Trade Committee is conducting oral evidence hearings to investigate China's economic relationship with the UK and its implications for British business, trade, and competitiveness. This inquiry examines both opportunities and strategic risks in UK-China economic ties, including supply chain dependencies, technology competition, and investment flows.
- Oral evidenceTue, 21 Apr 2026
Education Committee: Screen Time and Social Media
The Education Committee will hold an oral evidence session examining the effects of screen time and social media use on young people. The inquiry will explore the relationship between digital device consumption and educational outcomes, mental health, and child development, hearing from expert witnesses and stakeholders on this increasingly prominent policy concern.
- Ministerial statementThu, 16 Apr 2026
British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme
Peter Kyle will deliver a ministerial statement on the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme, a government initiative aimed at strengthening UK industrial capacity and global competitiveness. The statement will outline the scheme's objectives, funding, and how it supports businesses to compete internationally and create jobs across the economy.
- Oral evidenceTue, 14 Apr 2026
Culture, Media and Sport Committee: Children's tv and video content
The Culture, Media and Sport Committee is holding an oral evidence session to investigate children's television and video content. This inquiry will examine the quality, safety, and regulation of content consumed by young viewers across traditional TV and digital platforms, including issues around advertising, algorithm recommendations, and child protection.
- Oral evidenceTue, 14 Apr 2026
Business and Trade Committee: Artificial Intelligence, business and the future of the workforce
The Business and Trade Committee is holding an oral evidence session to examine how artificial intelligence is affecting UK businesses and the future of the workforce. The inquiry will explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents for employment, skills, and economic competitiveness.
- Oral evidenceWed, 25 Mar 2026
Scottish Affairs Committee: Connectivity in Scotland: Digital connectivity
The Scottish Affairs Committee is holding an oral evidence session on digital connectivity across Scotland. This inquiry examines the state of broadband and digital infrastructure in Scotland, identifying gaps in coverage and exploring what barriers exist to delivering high-speed internet access to all communities, particularly in rural and remote areas.