Government aims to become 'most digital' in world with new bill

Digital Economy Bill introduced in parliament

The new Digital Economy Bill (DEB) has been introduced to parliament as the government vows to make the UK "the most digital nation in the world".

The DEB was announced in the Queen's Speech in May and aims to improve the country's digital credentials by cracking down on telecoms providers and boosting access to superfast broadband.

The bill was introduced to parliament yesterday in a move digital economy minister Ed Vaizey said will make the UK "a place where technology ceaselessly transforms the economy, society and government".

When the bill was first unveiled, the government said it aims to do the following:

• Enable the building of world-class digital infrastructure including fast broadband and mobile networks
• Support digital industries
• Reform the way the government uses data for public services
• Strengthen protections for citizens in the digital world
• Roll out universal broadband and better mobile connections to ensure everyone is connected

But at the time, the news met a lukewarm reception from the channel. Some said the pledges were too little, too late, while others questioned whether the broadband pledges are achievable.

In a statement today, Vaizey said: "We want the UK to be a place where technology ceaselessly transforms the economy, society and government. The UK has always been at the forefront of technological change, and the measures in the Digital Economy Bill provide the necessary framework to make sure we remain world leaders."