weather will be today, for snow weather will be today, for north, much of northern england, ireland and scotland, bright sunshine, just a few showers across eastern areas. but it is cold, temperature is around 5 degrees. the greatest risk of disruption today, higher parts of wales, parts of the midlands, and in the high ground in wales, which could save 15 centimetres of snow, coming down thicken heavily, making for difficult travel conditions. overnight, that mixture clears away, and it is going to be a cold night, with a widespread frost and some icy patches to take us into sunday. that is your mother. hello, this is bbc news. the headlines... the eu backs down from using emergency brexit measures to restrict the movement of vaccines to northern ireland. the plan sparked outrage in london and belfast. but the eu's vaccine shortfall sees

the bloc force pharmaceutical firms to get permission, before exporting european—madejabs. the world health organization again warns against vaccine nationalism over the row about eu export controls. it is morally wrong in terms of arresting the pandemic and want help, and it won't also bring livelihoods back. the prime minister publishes an open letter to parents, saying he's "in awe" of the way they're coping with home schooling. confusion over coronavirus rules in maternity wards — midwives warn a lack of clarity means some staff are being abused. which it will be here with the latest news from two o'clock. now on bbc news, it's time for global questions — and after social media suspended donald trump, some have questioned the power of the silicon valley giants. has big tech gone too far, or is it long overdue?

hello, and welcome 22. many of us all over the world rely on social media for information, communication and entertainment —— welcome to global questions. the reach and power of big tech companies is worrying many. their decision to ban donald trump and decide what can and can't be said on their platforms has reignited the debate about freedom of speech and whether we need new laws to regulate the tech that's global questions social media, is a more powerful than governments? —— is it more powerful than governments? to bring you this edition of global questions, as always, our questioners and two panels join us

via video link. let's see who is in the hot seat this week given the answers. described as silicon valley's most powerful technology journalist, covering the tech industry for decades. she co—hosts an influential podcast for the new york times called sway and pivot. agnes is director of global freedom of expression at columbia university in new york, which seeks to define and protect freedom of expression. she is also the united nations rapporteur on extrajudicial executions. and in march, agnes become secretary general of the human rights organisation amnesty international. welcome to you, agnes, into my questioners, and to you wherever you are watching this programme. don't forget you can join the conversation at hashtag bbc

global questions. let's get down to ourfirst question, from global questions. let's get down to our first question, from alexander from texas in the united states, currently here in london. alexander, what do you want to ask our two panellists?— what do you want to ask our two panellists? what do you want to ask our two anellists? ., ~ , ., ., ., panellists? thank you for having me toda . i panellists? thank you for having me today- i think— panellists? thank you for having me today- i think my — panellists? thank you for having me today. i think my question _ panellists? thank you for having me today. i think my question is, - panellists? thank you for having me today. i think my question is, does. today. i think my question is, does bigm _ today. i think my question is, does bigm was — today. i think my question is, does bigm was a — today. i think my question is, does big... was a danger— today. i think my question is, does big... was a danger to— today. i think my question is, does big... was a danger to society- today. i think my question is, does big... was a danger to society in l big... was a danger to society in which _ big... was a danger to society in which a — big... was a danger to society in which a figures _ big... was a danger to society in which a figures to _ big... was a danger to society in which a figures to to _ big... was a danger to society in which a figures to to solve - big... was a danger to society in which a figures to to solve this . which a figures to to solve this problem? _ which a figures to to solve this roblem? , which a figures to to solve this problem?— which a figures to to solve this roblem? , ,.,, ., ., in problem? does it pose a danger? it is a little brought _ problem? does it pose a danger? it is a little brought a _ problem? does it pose a danger? it is a little brought a question, - problem? does it pose a danger? it is a little brought a question, a - is a little brought a question, a lot of— is a little brought a question, a lot of things pudsey danger. the car is? in_ lot of things pudsey danger. the car is? in some — lot of things pudsey danger. the car is? in some cases they do and submit on. is? in some cases they do and submit on there _ is? in some cases they do and submit orr~ there is _ is? in some cases they do and submit on there is no — is? in some cases they do and submit on. there is no such thing as big tech _ on. there is no such thing as big tech it— on. there is no such thing as big tech it is— on. there is no such thing as big tech it is a _ on. there is no such thing as big tech. it is a shorthand that media users _ tech. it is a shorthand that media users. there is a lot of big tech companies _ users. there is a lot of big tech companies and some are more dangerous— companies and some are more dangerous than others and some are more _ dangerous than others and some are more problematic than others. each of these _ more problematic than others. each of these companies, depending on whether— of these companies, depending on whether it — of these companies, depending on whether itjust of these companies, depending on whether it just facebook, of these companies, depending on whether itjust facebook, apple or google, _ whether itjust facebook, apple or google, or— whether itjust facebook, apple or google, oryoutube, each of whether itjust facebook, apple or google, or youtube, each of them has to he _ google, or youtube, each of them has to be regulated in a different way,

because _ to be regulated in a different way, because the pose different problems. are the _ because the pose different problems. are the danger? a lot of things that they are _ are the danger? a lot of things that they are dangerous and they need, they are dangerous and they need, they are _ they are dangerous and they need, they are in — they are dangerous and they need, they are in desperate need of some regulation, — they are in desperate need of some regulation, largely because there hasn't _ regulation, largely because there hasn't been any regulation of tech companies, even though we spent a lot of— companies, even though we spent a lot of time _ companies, even though we spent a lot of time in this country in the united — lot of time in this country in the united states where i am regulating cars and _ united states where i am regulating cars and aeroplanes and wall street and all_ cars and aeroplanes and wall street and all kinds of things. but the tech _ and all kinds of things. but the tech industry, for the most part, which _ tech industry, for the most part, which is — tech industry, for the most part, which is all— tech industry, for the most part, which is all the companies inner are the most _ which is all the companies inner are the most valuable in the world, the people _ the most valuable in the world, the people who run them are the richest people _ people who run them are the richest people in_ people who run them are the richest people in the world, have almost no regulations. yes, they need to be regulated, — regulations. yes, they need to be regulated, largely because there is no regulation and the question is how to _ no regulation and the question is how to do — no regulation and the question is how to do it correctly and keep innovation _ how to do it correctly and keep innovation going at the same time. i'm sure _ innovation going at the same time. i'm sure will— innovation going at the same time. i'm sure will talk about that shortly. agnes, does big tech pose a danger to society? timer;r shortly. agnes, does big tech pose a danger to society?— danger to society? they are part of an ecosystem _ danger to society? they are part of an ecosystem of— danger to society? they are part of an ecosystem of dangers. - danger to society? they are part of an ecosystem of dangers. i - danger to society? they are part of an ecosystem of dangers. i will- danger to society? they are part of an ecosystem of dangers. i will say they are one of the actors that can be dangerous to human rights protection, but so are states around the world. one in the western part

of the world we may be very focused on what big tech may be linked to democratic principles and human rights, we need to recognise that in other parts of the world, states continue to be the violator and chief. states continue to be the sensor. it is important to replace the role of those corporate actors within an ecosystem, and some of which are regulated, aspects of which are regulated, aspects of which are regulated, but they are not the only source of danger to the online world and to society.- online world and to society. wright, alexander, what _ online world and to society. wright, alexander, what you _ online world and to society. wright, alexander, what you think - online world and to society. wright, alexander, what you think about. online world and to society. wright, l alexander, what you think about what you just heard? i alexander, what you think about what you iust heard?— you “ust heard? i have to agree with a you just heard? i have to agree with a lot of what — you just heard? i have to agree with a lot of what they _ you just heard? i have to agree with a lot of what they are _ you just heard? i have to agree with a lot of what they are saying. - you just heard? i have to agree with a lot of what they are saying. when | a lot of what they are saying. when i pose _ a lot of what they are saying. when i pose this— a lot of what they are saying. when i pose this question, _ a lot of what they are saying. when i pose this question, i— a lot of what they are saying. when i pose this question, i believe - a lot of what they are saying. when i pose this question, i believe thati i pose this question, i believe that in some _ i pose this question, i believe that in some senses— i pose this question, i believe that in some senses it _ i pose this question, i believe that in some senses it has, _ i pose this question, i believe that in some senses it has, especially. in some senses it has, especially social— in some senses it has, especially social media _ in some senses it has, especially social media and _ in some senses it has, especially social media and instagram - in some senses it has, especially social media and instagram and i social media and instagram and twitter. —

social media and instagram and twitter, somewhat _ social media and instagram and twitter, somewhat exacerbated polarisation _ twitter, somewhat exacerbated polarisation and _ twitter, somewhat exacerbated polarisation and radicalised - twitter, somewhat exacerbated i polarisation and radicalised some users, _ polarisation and radicalised some users. and — polarisation and radicalised some users. and i— polarisation and radicalised some users, and i feel— polarisation and radicalised some users, and i feel like _ polarisation and radicalised some users, and i feel like we - polarisation and radicalised some users, and i feel like we have - users, and i feel like we have definitely— users, and i feel like we have definitely seen _ users, and i feel like we have definitely seen that _ users, and i feel like we have definitely seen that in - users, and i feel like we have . definitely seen that in american society, — definitely seen that in american society, especially— definitely seen that in american society, especially today. - definitely seen that in american society, especially today. thanks very much _ society, especially today. thanks very much indeed. _ society, especially today. thanks very much indeed. i _ society, especially today. thanks very much indeed. i should - society, especially today. thanks very much indeed. i should say, l society, especially today. thanks i very much indeed. i should say, the joe biden diminishes and is considered to be quite disdainful, isn't it, of big tech? and one stopper regulation. let's go to uganda. what is your question? thank ou for the uganda. what is your question? thank you for the opportunity. _ uganda. what is your question? thank you for the opportunity. do _ uganda. what is your question? thank you for the opportunity. do you think— you for the opportunity. do you think big — you for the opportunity. do you think big government- you for the opportunity. do you. think big government censorship solves— think big government censorship solves the — think big government censorship solves the issues _ think big government censorship solves the issues at _ think big government censorship solves the issues at hand - think big government censorship- solves the issues at hand regardless of who _ solves the issues at hand regardless of who it _ solves the issues at hand regardless of who it affects? _ solves the issues at hand regardless of who it affects?— of who it affects? agnes, the role of who it affects? agnes, the role of governments _ of who it affects? agnes, the role of governments in _ of who it affects? agnes, the role of governments in censorship, . of who it affects? agnes, the role l of governments in censorship, does that help at all? does it solve the issues at hand?— that help at all? does it solve the issues at hand? no. well, of course, states have — issues at hand? no. well, of course, states have to _ issues at hand? no. well, of course, states have to be _ issues at hand? no. well, of course, states have to be part _ issues at hand? no. well, of course, states have to be part of _ issues at hand? no. well, of course, states have to be part of a _ states have to be part of a regulatory system, but as i have just pointed out, states remain a main source of danger for human

rights online, either through their own collision and complicity with the so—called big tech companies, i don't think we... i need to remember the situation in china, in iran, and saudi arabia, where the states are censoring legitimate expression online and are creating a very dangerous environment online and off—line stop and they are doing so either on their own or with the complicity of big tech companies. so we need to think, i think, outside the notion that states are going to be the solution is as states. cara, how would — be the solution is as states. cara, how would you _ be the solution is as states. cara, how would you answer? _ be the solution is as states. cara, how would you answer? is - be the solution is as states. cara, how would you answer? is there i be the solution is as states. cara, how would you answer? is there a | how would you answer? is there a place for government censorship sometimes? sign make depends on where you are, nobody loves the

internet more than an authoritarian government or fascist. there's absolutely no do things is better. you look at the philippines and across— you look at the philippines and across the world. in saudi arabia. the abuse — across the world. in saudi arabia. the abuse these tools. as agnes was saying. _ the abuse these tools. as agnes was saying, what happens is, the issue isn't necessarily the tools themselves, it is how they are deployed, monitored and managed. i think one _ deployed, monitored and managed. i think one of— deployed, monitored and managed. i think one of the things i always think— think one of the things i always think about is that hitler didn't need _ think about is that hitler didn't need twitter to do what he did, mussolini — need twitter to do what he did, mussolini didn't need instagram. i know— mussolini didn't need instagram. i know it _ mussolini didn't need instagram. i know it sounds crazy, stalin didn't need _ know it sounds crazy, stalin didn't need read — know it sounds crazy, stalin didn't need read it, these people use details — need read it, these people use details of— need read it, these people use details of the time. whether it was newsreels— details of the time. whether it was newsreels or other propaganda. we have to _ newsreels or other propaganda. we have to he — newsreels or other propaganda. we have to be thinking hard about how to figure _ have to be thinking hard about how to figure out how to not let this come _ to figure out how to not let this come down to companies deciding these _ come down to companies deciding these things. with regards to censorship in the united states, impossible, with government doing anything _ impossible, with government doing anything around that. we have a thing _ anything around that. we have a thing called the first amendment and most people misread it badly, but it is congress — most people misread it badly, but it is congress shall make no law

abridging _ is congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of press amongst other rights to give citizens— amongst other rights to give citizens of the united states, so i couldn't— citizens of the united states, so i couldn't even ever happen here, the idea of— couldn't even ever happen here, the idea of the _ couldn't even ever happen here, the idea of the government having a speech— idea of the government having a speech regime it would impose. that said, because we are so in love with free speech — said, because we are so in love with free speech in the united states, or at least _ free speech in the united states, or at least the — free speech in the united states, or at least the idea of it, we don't understand that some speech is not free and _ understand that some speech is not free and we — understand that some speech is not free and we can't see anything we want, _ free and we can't see anything we want, especially when it comes to private _ want, especially when it comes to private companies.— want, especially when it comes to private companies. your prom uganda and of course — private companies. your prom uganda and of course the _ private companies. your prom uganda and of course the president _ private companies. your prom uganda and of course the president the - and of course the president the elections in january suspended all internet gateways for four days and there are still some restrictions continuing. give us an idea of the state of affairs, as far as the internet is concerned.- state of affairs, as far as the internet is concerned. well, it is basically. _ internet is concerned. well, it is basically, after _ internet is concerned. well, it is basically, after the _ internet is concerned. well, it is basically, after the for _ internet is concerned. well, it is basically, after the for five - internet is concerned. well, it is basically, after the for five days | basically, after the for five days of the _ basically, after the for five days of the internet _ basically, after the for five days of the internet shutdown, - basically, after the for five days of the internet shutdown, it - basically, after the for five days . of the internet shutdown, it came back on— of the internet shutdown, it came back on and — of the internet shutdown, it came back on and at _ of the internet shutdown, it came back on and at the _ of the internet shutdown, it came back on and at the moment - of the internet shutdown, it came back on and at the moment it - of the internet shutdown, it came back on and at the moment it is l back on and at the moment it is censored — back on and at the moment it is censored we _ back on and at the moment it is censored. we can't— back on and at the moment it is censored. we can't access - back on and at the moment it is| censored. we can't access some back on and at the moment it is - censored. we can't access some media platforms, _ censored. we can't access some media platforms, like — censored. we can't access some media platforms, like facebook, _ censored. we can't access some media platforms, like facebook, twitter, - platforms, like facebook, twitter, youtube, — platforms, like facebook, twitter, youtube, which _ platforms, like facebook, twitter, youtube, which is— platforms, like facebook, twitter, youtube, which is my— platforms, like facebook, twitter, youtube, which is my main - platforms, like facebook, twitter, . youtube, which is my main platform i

used to— youtube, which is my main platform i used to create — youtube, which is my main platform i used to create and _ youtube, which is my main platform i used to create and publish _ used to create and publish contentm _ used to create and publish content... even— used to create and publish content... even the - used to create and publish i content... even the internet used to create and publish - content... even the internet speeds have been— content... even the internet speeds have been suffocated. _ content. .. even the internet speeds have been suffocated.— content... even the internet speeds have been suffocated. thank you very much indeed — have been suffocated. thank you very much indeed for _ have been suffocated. thank you very much indeed for telling _ have been suffocated. thank you very much indeed for telling us _ have been suffocated. thank you very much indeed for telling us that. - much indeed for telling us that. let's go to hong kong to samantha. what is your question?— what is your question? obviously firms make _ what is your question? obviously firms make the _ what is your question? obviously firms make the decisions - what is your question? obviously firms make the decisions for - what is your question? obviously l firms make the decisions for users but we _ firms make the decisions for users but we seen — firms make the decisions for users but we seen they— firms make the decisions for users but we seen they have _ firms make the decisions for users but we seen they have the - firms make the decisions for users but we seen they have the power i firms make the decisions for usersl but we seen they have the power to remove _ but we seen they have the power to remove users — but we seen they have the power to remove users like _ but we seen they have the power to remove users like donald _ but we seen they have the power to remove users like donald trump, . but we seen they have the power to. remove users like donald trump, my question— remove users like donald trump, my question would — remove users like donald trump, my question would be _ remove users like donald trump, my question would be do _ remove users like donald trump, my question would be do you _ remove users like donald trump, my question would be do you think- remove users like donald trump, my question would be do you think theyl question would be do you think they should _ question would be do you think they should decide — question would be do you think they should decide who _ question would be do you think they should decide who can _ question would be do you think they should decide who can go _ question would be do you think they should decide who can go on - question would be do you think they should decide who can go on the - should decide who can go on the platform — should decide who can go on the platform and _ should decide who can go on the platform and who _ should decide who can go on the platform and who can't? - should decide who can go on the platform and who can't? this - should decide who can go on the platform and who can't? this has renerated platform and who can't? this has generated a _ platform and who can't? this has generated a great _ platform and who can't? this has generated a great deal _ platform and who can't? this has generated a great deal of - generated a great deal of discussion. these commercial, private outfits, operate in the public interest? how would you answer, for samantha? it is important — answer, for samantha? it is important to _ answer, for samantha? it is important to keep - answer, for samantha? it is important to keep in - answer, for samantha? it is important to keep in mind is a private. — important to keep in mind is a private, profit—making companies owned _ private, profit—making companies owned by— private, profit—making companies owned by some of the richest people in the _ owned by some of the richest people in the world and are some of the most _ in the world and are some of the most valuable companies in the world — most valuable companies in the world. they can do whatever they want _ world. they can do whatever they want. people of some reason decided they have _ want. people of some reason decided

they have to operate in the public interest — they have to operate in the public interest. they absolutely do not have _ interest. they absolutely do not have to — interest. they absolutely do not have to operate in any interest but their— have to operate in any interest but their own — have to operate in any interest but their own and their shareholders' interest — their own and their shareholders' interest. that's one thing to keep interest. that's one thing to keep in mind — interest. that's one thing to keep in mind it — interest. that's one thing to keep in mind it is— interest. that's one thing to keep in mind. it is hard to separate out what _ in mind. it is hard to separate out what happen with donald trump from the actual— what happen with donald trump from the actual issue, about concentration of power, that there are too— concentration of power, that there are too few— concentration of power, that there are too few tech companies running most _ are too few tech companies running most of— are too few tech companies running most of the — are too few tech companies running most of the game going on. that is the problem we face, concentration of power~ _ the problem we face, concentration of power~ in — the problem we face, concentration of power. in this case, two people, jack dorsey— of power. in this case, two people, jack dorsey of and mark zuckerberg of facebook, and in part google and youtube, _ of facebook, and in part google and youtube, made the right decision to remove _ youtube, made the right decision to remove donald trump. he had been violating _ remove donald trump. he had been violating their reels constantly. the problem is, they were arbitrary with him _ the problem is, they were arbitrary with him and others, making baby steps _ with him and others, making baby steps on _ with him and others, making baby steps on disputed —— adding on disputed — steps on disputed —— adding on disputed links, which is very confusing. donald trump said, as which _ confusing. donald trump said, as which any— confusing. donald trump said, as which any trial would do, he continued to push the line, until he pushed _ continued to push the line, until he pushed too — continued to push the line, until he pushed too far around the attack on the capital — pushed too far around the attack on the capital. they were waiting for this chance to this, because they

have _ this chance to this, because they have some — this chance to this, because they have some very bright lines, even though— have some very bright lines, even though they are arbitrary all over the place — though they are arbitrary all over the place. you can't incite violence. _ the place. you can't incite violence, pornography is a red line and so _ violence, pornography is a red line and so is _ violence, pornography is a red line and so is terrorism. you could argue donald _ and so is terrorism. you could argue donald trump violated two of those very bright red lines, terrorism and inciting _ very bright red lines, terrorism and inciting violence.— inciting violence. agnes, your answer on — inciting violence. agnes, your answer on this _ inciting violence. agnes, your answer on this question? - inciting violence. agnes, your answer on this question? i i inciting violence. agnes, your. answer on this question? i would sliuhtl answer on this question? i would slightly disagree, _ answer on this question? i would slightly disagree, just _ answer on this question? i would slightly disagree, just in - answer on this question? i would slightly disagree, just in terms . answer on this question? i would | slightly disagree, just in terms of the nature of those companies. yes, by the legal construct they are private corporations and are answerable to their shareholders. by virtue of their size, by virtue of their role, by virtue of the fact they are powering the most important technology for global economy, for the world, at all level, including peace and conflict, for all those reasons i think those corporations

are taking a different persona. and i think we need to replace their legal constructions within the error we live in, which is founded very largely —— the era. founded by that technology. second, the fact there are so few of them means that the exercise —— they exercise such a strong monopoly of such a crucial aspect of our private and social life, our access to information, government services and so on and so forth. i personally think that we need to think more of them as, at times, if not all the time, exercising public services. it does not mean that they work in the public interest, it does not mean they are not answerable to their shareholders, but we need to understand them as exercising some

or a lot of public services, and thatis or a lot of public services, and that is why the nature of the regulation that we impose our wee thing, in fact, regulation that we impose our wee thing, infact, we regulation that we impose our wee thing, in fact, we create, need to take into account those dimensions. can i make a point? {30 take into account those dimensions. can i make a point?— take into account those dimensions. can i make a point?_ we l can i make a point? go ahead. we reuulate can i make a point? go ahead. we regulate fully _ can i make a point? go ahead. we regulate fully in — can i make a point? go ahead. we regulate fully in this _ can i make a point? go ahead. we regulate fully in this country, - can i make a point? go ahead. we regulate fully in this country, but i regulate fully in this country, but they are — regulate fully in this country, but they are not. we wish it so, it is not the — they are not. we wish it so, it is not the waiters. the government has to act— not the waiters. the government has to act to _ not the waiters. the government has to act to make them into utilities, but right— to act to make them into utilities, but right now they are absolutely private. — but right now they are absolutely private, profit—making companies. lets go— private, profit—making companies. lets go to — private, profit—making companies. lets go to berlin in germany. my ruestion lets go to berlin in germany. my question is, should the government be online _ question is, should the government be online to — question is, should the government be online to enforce _ question is, should the government be online to enforce content - be online to enforce content regulation? _ be online to enforce content regulation? or— be online to enforce content regulation? or should - be online to enforce content regulation? or should this. be online to enforce content - regulation? or should this come from the social— regulation? or should this come from the social media _ regulation? or should this come from the social media companies _ the social media companies themselves? _ the social media companies themselves? and _ the social media companies themselves? and if- the social media companies themselves? and if there . the social media companies themselves? and if there is the social media companies i themselves? and if there is a problem _ themselves? and if there is a problem with— themselves? and if there is a problem with content, - themselves? and if there is a problem with content, how i themselves? and if there is al problem with content, how do themselves? and if there is a - problem with content, how do you regulate _ problem with content, how do you regulate that? _ problem with content, how do you regulate that?— regulate that? both of you have hinted at regulation _ regulate that? both of you have hinted at regulation and - regulate that? both of you have hinted at regulation and some l regulate that? both of you have | hinted at regulation and some of your answers, hinted at regulation and some of youranswers, but hinted at regulation and some of your answers, but be explicit now. how would you regularly and who does it? agnes?

how would you regularly and who does it? a: nes? ., ., ~' how would you regularly and who does it? aanes? , ., , it? agnes? look, let me personally make a very — it? agnes? look, let me personally make a very short _ it? agnes? look, let me personally make a very short and _ it? agnes? look, let me personally make a very short and important i make a very short and important point. we are in a very unsettled era when it comes to regulations on technology, and the reason we are having so many debates is because it is changing all the time. the technology evolves, the action involves, the behaviours of all. it is extremely unsettled, and what it means, in that kind of environment come out to create institution and laws is extremely difficult. they are likely to be completely outdated. possibly within a six month period. let's be part of a very dynamic movement. right now, let's not think that we will get the final stage of the regulation now. i think it is going to take at least a good decade. second, i do think that there are a number of actors who

have a role to play. they are exploding those roles. when it comes to the corporate actress —— exploring those roles. i believe in self—regulation. i don't think they have taken it seriously so far. so called big tech. meaningful self—regulation is as far more stringent than those little steps that they have taken. this question of regulation. _ that they have taken. this question of regulation, how— that they have taken. this question of regulation, how and _ that they have taken. this question of regulation, how and what - that they have taken. this question of regulation, how and what and i that they have taken. this question i of regulation, how and what and who? obviously in the united states it has been — obviously in the united states it has been extraordinarily slow, they will not _ has been extraordinarily slow, they will not sell regulate properly. when — will not sell regulate properly. when i — will not sell regulate properly. when i say there is no such thing as bil when i say there is no such thing as big tech. _ when i say there is no such thing as big tech. the — when i say there is no such thing as big tech, the problems are different. the problems obama is on a different— different. the problems obama is on a different from facebook and the others _ a different from facebook and the others. each must be dealt with in a different— others. each must be dealt with in a different way. —— the problems of farmers— different way. —— the problems of farmers on— different way. —— the problems of farmers on are different from facebook. an anti—trust... it did so

them _ facebook. an anti—trust... it did so them down — facebook. an anti—trust... it did so them down. an anti—trust is one way to do— them down. an anti—trust is one way to do that, _ them down. an anti—trust is one way to do that, to— them down. an anti—trust is one way to do that, to make them less strong and to— to do that, to make them less strong and to create movement for other innovative — and to create movement for other innovative companies to come up. there _ innovative companies to come up. there are — innovative companies to come up. there are also fines, ftc in this country. — there are also fines, ftc in this country, and across the world, the eu has— country, and across the world, the eu has done — country, and across the world, the eu has done in the ftc here on that. that can _ eu has done in the ftc here on that. that can happen and it's good, and in the _ that can happen and it's good, and in the case — that can happen and it's good, and in the case of facebook was like a parking _ in the case of facebook was like a parking ticket, $5 billion, seems a lot to _ parking ticket, $5 billion, seems a lot to you — parking ticket, $5 billion, seems a lot to you and me but nothing through— lot to you and me but nothing through facebook, they make that five minutes essentially. then there are ways _ five minutes essentially. then there are ways to — five minutes essentially. then there are ways to have policy you can pass, _ are ways to have policy you can pass, whether it is privacy laws, data _ pass, whether it is privacy laws, data laws — pass, whether it is privacy laws, data laws and other things. the one thing _ data laws and other things. the one thing i— data laws and other things. the one thing i think— data laws and other things. the one thing i think will be most important, besides global shame are reporting _ important, besides global shame are reporting or things like that, a consumer— reporting or things like that, a consumer advocacy, reporting or things like that, a consumeradvocacy, is reporting or things like that, a consumer advocacy, is the idea of liability _ consumer advocacy, is the idea of liability at— consumer advocacy, is the idea of liability. at least in the united states — liability. at least in the united states we have something called section— states we have something called section 230 which is under a lot of debate, _ section 230 which is under a lot of debate, which brought immunity to these _ debate, which brought immunity to these platforms for what is on them. if there _ these platforms for what is on them. if there are _ these platforms for what is on them. if there are some liability attached to the _ if there are some liability attached to the things, the toxic waste which blows _ to the things, the toxic waste which blows over. — to the things, the toxic waste which blows over, the continentals over these _ blows over, the continentals over these corporations, they are going

to do— these corporations, they are going to do something about it. they have not needed — to do something about it. they have not needed to. to me, if they have to pay— not needed to. to me, if they have to pay more. — not needed to. to me, if they have to pay more, they will behave better~ — to pay more, they will behave better. that is the waiters with corporate — better. that is the waiters with corporate citizens.— better. that is the waiters with corporate citizens. what you think about what _ corporate citizens. what you think about what you — corporate citizens. what you think about what you are _ corporate citizens. what you think about what you are just _ corporate citizens. what you think about what you are just there? i corporate citizens. what you think i about what you are just there? thank about what you are “ust there? thank ou. i about what you are “ust there? thank you. regee. _ about what you are “ust there? thank you. r g r— about what you are just there? thank you. iagree. ithink— about what you are just there? thank you. i agree. i think that _ about what you are just there? thank you. i agree. i think that actually i you. i agree. i think that actually technology— you. i agree. i think that actually technology developed _ you. i agree. i think that actually technology developed so - you. i agree. i think that actually technology developed so quicklyl you. i agree. i think that actually. technology developed so quickly it is difficult — technology developed so quickly it is difficult for _ technology developed so quickly it is difficult for regulation _ technology developed so quickly it is difficult for regulation and i is difficult for regulation and legislation— is difficult for regulation and legislation to _ is difficult for regulation and legislation to keep - is difficult for regulation and legislation to keep up. i- is difficult for regulation and - legislation to keep up. i personally do think— legislation to keep up. i personally do think there _ legislation to keep up. i personally do think there could _ legislation to keep up. i personally do think there could be _ legislation to keep up. i personally do think there could be a _ legislation to keep up. i personally do think there could be a role i legislation to keep up. i personally do think there could be a role for. do think there could be a role for government— do think there could be a role for government around _ do think there could be a role for government around online - do think there could be a role for- government around online regulation, in terms _ government around online regulation, in terms of— government around online regulation, in terms of the — government around online regulation, in terms of the laws _ government around online regulation, in terms of the laws and _ government around online regulation, in terms of the laws and the _ in terms of the laws and the legislation— in terms of the laws and the legislation they— in terms of the laws and the legislation they can - in terms of the laws and the legislation they can set i in terms of the laws and the legislation they can set up, i in terms of the laws and the i legislation they can set up, but this has— legislation they can set up, but this has to _ legislation they can set up, but this has to be _ legislation they can set up, but this has to be done _ legislation they can set up, but this has to be done in - legislation they can set up, but this has to be done in a - legislation they can set up, but this has to be done in a way. legislation they can set up, but. this has to be done in a way that can protect _ this has to be done in a way that can protect citizens _ this has to be done in a way that can protect citizens protect i can protect citizens protect information, _ can protect citizens protect information, as _ can protect citizens protect information, as opposed i can protect citizens protectj information, as opposed to censorship _ information, as opposed to censorship like _ information, as opposed to censorship like we - information, as opposed to censorship like we have i information, as opposed to i censorship like we have seen in information, as opposed to - censorship like we have seen in the past _ censorship like we have seen in the ast. , ., , ., censorship like we have seen in the ast. , .,, ., ., , ., past. glasgow to new delhi, india. should we have _ past. glasgow to new delhi, india. should we have laws _ past. glasgow to new delhi, india. should we have laws on _ past. glasgow to new delhi, india. should we have laws on what - should we have laws on what constitutes _ should we have laws on what constitutes hate _ should we have laws on what

constitutes hate speech? i should we have laws on what constitutes hate speech? inggi�*ej should we have laws on what constitutes hate speech? we don't have any for— constitutes hate speech? we don't have any for the _ constitutes hate speech? we don't have any for the most _ constitutes hate speech? we don't have any for the most part. - constitutes hate speech? we don't have any for the most part. i - constitutes hate speech? we don't have any for the most part. i think| have any for the most part. i think what agnes _ have any for the most part. i think what agnes was _ have any for the most part. i think what agnes was talking _ have any for the most part. i think what agnes was talking about, i have any for the most part. i think what agnes was talking about, we | what agnes was talking about, we elected _ what agnes was talking about, we elected to these companies to make the decisions. it is like someone who owns— the decisions. it is like someone who owns a _ the decisions. it is like someone who owns a city that has no stop signs. _ who owns a city that has no stop signs. has— who owns a city that has no stop signs, has no server systems, has no water— signs, has no server systems, has no water system, — signs, has no server systems, has no water system, has no police and things— water system, has no police and things happenjust the way water system, has no police and things happen just the way they happen — things happen just the way they happen. so i think getting some loves _ happen. so i think getting some loves and — happen. so i think getting some loves and plays that are stronger and have — loves and plays that are stronger and have some teeth to them is really— and have some teeth to them is really what we have the day. there is no _ really what we have the day. there is no question regulators have let us down, — is no question regulators have let us down, for the most part, in dealing — us down, for the most part, in dealing with these big tech companies over the decades that they have become so powerful.— have become so powerful. agnes, do we need tougher— have become so powerful. agnes, do we need tougher international - have become so powerful. agnes, do we need tougher international laws l we need tougher international laws on hate speech? the we need tougher international laws on hate speech?— we need tougher international laws on hate speech? the key word here is international. — on hate speech? the key word here is international, because _ on hate speech? the key word here is international, because at _ on hate speech? the key word here is international, because at national i international, because at national level there is plenty of laws on hate speech, incitement of violence and so on, but the problem at international level, there is no agreement as to what constitutes hate speech. we have an article

under the international covenant that prohibits incitement to violence, but that about it. and for the last a0 years, there has been no agreement as to what hate speech constitutes or off—line. so while i agree, i'm not sure it is going to be a very easy solution to get. thea;r be a very easy solution to get. they will be no be a very easy solution to get. they will he go to — be a very easy solution to get. they will be go to princeton _ be a very easy solution to get. they will be go to princeton outside new york in the united states. gray my question is how can the us and other countries work together to prevent the misuse of technology? for example. _ the misuse of technology? for example. the _ the misuse of technology? for example, the use of data to target ethnic— example, the use of data to target ethnic minorities? _ example, the use of data to target ethnic minorities? i— example, the use of data to target ethnic minorities? i refer- example, the use of data to target ethnic minorities? i refer to- example, the use of data to target ethnic minorities? i refer to the i ethnic minorities? i refer to the expansion— ethnic minorities? i refer to the expansion of— ethnic minorities? i refer to the expansion of big _ ethnic minorities? i refer to the expansion of big data, - ethnic minorities? i refer to the expansion of big data, facial- expansion of big data, facial recognition _ expansion of big data, facial recognition and _ expansion of big data, facial recognition and ai _ expansion of big data, facial recognition and ai tools i expansion of big data, facial recognition and ai tools and j expansion of big data, facial- recognition and ai tools and their potential— recognition and ai tools and their potential to — recognition and ai tools and their potential to be _ recognition and ai tools and their potential to be misused - recognition and ai tools and their potential to be misused by- recognition and ai tools and their potential to be misused by morel potential to be misused by more actors _ potential to be misused by more actors getting _ potential to be misused by more actors getting into _ potential to be misused by more actors getting into the _ potential to be misused by more actors getting into the space i potential to be misused by more actors getting into the space [i actors getting into the space i fully actors getting into the space fully agree, we have a actors getting into the space_ fully agree, we have a fundamental problem in terms of the algorithm

and the technology itself. on one hand it needs to be de—colonise, in terms of being far more equitable in its handling of how people use it and have access to it, and on the other hand, it also needs to be far left bias and discriminatory. —— less bias. i am not sure this needs to be done through a government led process at the moment. i think there is more that can be done through the technology itself, in terms of unpacking and ensuring that it is not as biased as it is at the moment. in situations where the use of data becomes a source of legally defined discrimination, or is at the heart of the use of violence, then of course there is a space for

government to intervene. the problem with all these — government to intervene. the problem with all these tools _ government to intervene. the problem with all these tools is, _ government to intervene. the problem with all these tools is, depends - government to intervene. the problem with all these tools is, depends on i with all these tools is, depends on who is— with all these tools is, depends on who is using them. you try to think of brad _ who is using them. you try to think of brad smith of microsoft, his book. — of brad smith of microsoft, his book. he — of brad smith of microsoft, his book, he he calls it tools, and depending on who has them, they will be used _ depending on who has them, they will be used in _ depending on who has them, they will be used in different ways. it relies on enormous government regulation and should _ on enormous government regulation and should push back against countries _ and should push back against countries like china who are using it as _ countries like china who are using it as a _ countries like china who are using it as a surveillance economy. spending _ it as a surveillance economy. spending enormous amount of money spying _ spending enormous amount of money spying on _ spending enormous amount of money spying on their own citizens. how to be then— spying on their own citizens. how to be then enforce that in any way? that— be then enforce that in any way? that is— be then enforce that in any way? that is the — be then enforce that in any way? that is the real difficulty. whatever tool you put in people's cans. _ whatever tool you put in people's cans. just — whatever tool you put in people's cans. just a — whatever tool you put in people's cans, just a grenade, they can kill you with _ cans, just a grenade, they can kill you with a — cans, just a grenade, they can kill you with a or— cans, just a grenade, they can kill you with a or make use language, ——

whatever— you with a or make use language, —— whatever tool — you with a or make use language, —— whatever tool you put in people's hands. _ whatever tool you put in people's hands, just like a knife, they can kill you _ hands, just like a knife, they can kill you with it or make a sandwich. we will— kill you with it or make a sandwich. we will see — kill you with it or make a sandwich. we will see many more actors getting into this _ we will see many more actors getting into this space — we will see many more actors getting into this space and _ we will see many more actors getting into this space and i'm _ we will see many more actors getting into this space and i'm curious- we will see many more actors getting into this space and i'm curious to i into this space and i'm curious to see what— into this space and i'm curious to see what we _ into this space and i'm curious to see what we can _ into this space and i'm curious to see what we can do _ into this space and i'm curious to see what we can do in _ into this space and i'm curious to see what we can do in an- see what we can do in an international— see what we can do in an international sense, i see what we can do in an. international sense, either see what we can do in an- international sense, either through the un _ international sense, either through the un or— international sense, either through the un or other— international sense, either through the un or other agencies— international sense, either through the un or other agencies to - international sense, either throughl the un or other agencies to prevent that misuse. — the un or other agencies to prevent that misuse. our— the un or other agencies to prevent that misuse-— that misuse. our final question is from nairobi. _ that misuse. our final question is from nairobi, can _ that misuse. our final question is from nairobi, can yet. _ that misuse. our final question is from nairobi, can yet. thank- that misuse. our final question is from nairobi, can yet. thank you | from nairobi, can yet. thank you very much- _ from nairobi, can yet. thank you very much. conversations - from nairobi, can yet. thank you very much. conversations going l from nairobi, can yet. thank you l very much. conversations going on about— very much. conversations going on about big _ very much. conversations going on about big tech _ very much. conversations going on about big tech giants _ very much. conversations going on about big tech giants are _ very much. conversations going on about big tech giants are being i about big tech giants are being essentially— about big tech giants are being essentially to _ about big tech giants are being essentially to beg _ about big tech giants are being essentially to beg to _ about big tech giants are being essentially to beg to an - about big tech giants are being essentially to beg to an extent| essentially to beg to an extent where — essentially to beg to an extent where the, _ essentially to beg to an extent where the, they— essentially to beg to an extent where the, they have - essentially to beg to an extent where the, they have too - essentially to beg to an extent| where the, they have too much essentially to beg to an extent - where the, they have too much power over economy, — where the, they have too much power over economy, society— where the, they have too much power over economy, society and _ where the, they have too much powerl over economy, society and democracy. is over economy, society and democracy. ls breaking _ over economy, society and democracy. ls breaking them — over economy, society and democracy. ls breaking them up— over economy, society and democracy. is breaking them up an— over economy, society and democracy. is breaking them up an idea _ over economy, society and democracy. is breaking them up an idea worth- is breaking them up an idea worth considering? _ is breaking them up an idea worth considering?— is breaking them up an idea worth considerin: ? , . , ., considering? yes. i mean, why not? i'm not considering? yes. i mean, why not? i'm not sure — considering? yes. i mean, why not? i'm not sure it— considering? yes. i mean, why not? i'm not sure it will— considering? yes. i mean, why not? i'm not sure it will solve _ considering? yes. i mean, why not? i'm not sure it will solve all- considering? yes. i mean, why not? i'm not sure it will solve all of- i'm not sure it will solve all of the problems. the european union has

been trying to break some of those corporations in one way or another and has used anti—trust lot repeatedly to address the lack of competitiveness and the implications from the consumers. not with great success so far. the second issue is that we need to question independently of the fact that those companies, because they are so powerful now, may be preventing competition from emerging. it is, of course, where we need to go to, we need to have far more competitions and more choices. but we need to reflect on how we do it, and what it means about creation, innovation and continuing two that means about creation, innovation and continuing two— continuing two that sounds like ou're continuing two that sounds like you're saying. _ continuing two that sounds like you're saying. yes. _ continuing two that sounds like you're saying, yes, do - continuing two that sounds like you're saying, yes, do pick- continuing two that sounds like l you're saying, yes, do pick them continuing two that sounds like - you're saying, yes, do pick them up. if i can summarise it like that? i if i can summarise it like that? i think it will be depending on the

company— think it will be depending on the company you're dealing with, whether it is with _ company you're dealing with, whether it is with facebook, apple or amazon _ it is with facebook, apple or amazon. they are all very different. ithink— amazon. they are all very different. i think it _ amazon. they are all very different. i think it is — amazon. they are all very different. i think it is probably the slowest way to— i think it is probably the slowest way to deal with companies, and usually— way to deal with companies, and usually the most ineffective way, because — usually the most ineffective way, because it — usually the most ineffective way, because it takes the longest. i think— because it takes the longest. i think there's other ways to get them to a different place. they are also incredibly— to a different place. they are also incredibly willing to fight these things — incredibly willing to fight these things. the fact of the matter is, in this— things. the fact of the matter is, in this country, for example, we did fi-ht in this country, for example, we did fight big _ in this country, for example, we did fight big oil. — in this country, for example, we did fight big oil, we did fight big telecom and stuff like that. it has happened — telecom and stuff like that. it has happened before, there have been trespassers and a lot of politicians here and _ trespassers and a lot of politicians here and abroad can do this. i think the question— here and abroad can do this. i think the question is, we have to use all these _ the question is, we have to use all these touts. — the question is, we have to use all these tools, including our own ability— these tools, including our own ability to. _ these tools, including our own ability to, citizens, press these companies to do better and pressure regulators— companies to do better and pressure regulators to do better. that is the real question, we can spur innovation anywhere around the world, _ innovation anywhere around the world, that should be our... but should they _ world, that should be our... emit should they be broken up? some in thejoe biden canvassing break up google... i the joe biden canvassing break up gooale... .,�* the joe biden canvassing break up gooale... ., �* ~' the joe biden canvassing break up gooale... .,�* ~' , google. .. i don't think they will

be. eventually, _ google. .. i don't think they will be. eventually, to _ google. .. i don't think they will be. eventually, to get - google. .. i don't think they will be. eventually, to get to - google. .. i don't think they will be. eventually, to get to bed, i be. eventually, to get to bed, certainty. _ be. eventually, to get to bed, certainly, can do it. they have done it in the _ certainly, can do it. they have done it in the past— certainly, can do it. they have done it in the past and they will do it again — it in the past and they will do it aain. ., ., ., it in the past and they will do it auain. . . ., again. social media, more powerful than government? _ again. social media, more powerful than government? we _ again. social media, more powerful than government? we are - again. social media, more powerful than government? we are the - than government? we are the programme that brings you the trend lines with the headlines —— behind the headlines. i hope we have brought you some of the issues being grappled with. wherever you are watching or listening to this programme, if you want to be part of the programme or submit a question, please e—mail... till the next time, from me and the rest of the global questions team, goodbye.

hello there. we have got a big mixture of weather to come through the rest of today. an area of low pressure is pushing the weather front authors, bringing rain widely across england and wales. some localised flooding across the south—west. as this rained bumps into the colder air, just turning to snow for some. politically across wales and increasingly parts the midlands, where the snow is going to be today, some disruption. much of northern england, ireland and scotland, bright with some sunshine, but cold. temperatures about 5 degrees. the greatest risk of seeing some disruption today, higher parts of wales and parts of the midlands as well. across the high ground in wales we could see as much as 15 centimetres of snow. that will come then thicken heavily on the rose, making for some typical travelling conditions here. overnight in a mixture of rain are still clues away, and with clearing skies following comments want to be equalled might with widespread frost

and icy patches to take us into sunday.

this is bbc news with the latest headlines... the eu backs down from using emergency brexit measures to restrict the movement of vaccines to northern ireland. the restrict the movement of vaccines to northern ireland.— northern ireland. the plan sparked outraae northern ireland. the plan sparked outra . e in northern ireland. the plan sparked outrage in london _ northern ireland. the plan sparked outrage in london and _ northern ireland. the plan sparked outrage in london and belfast. - outrage in london and belfast. incredible act of hostility against those of us in northern ireland, nothing to do with making sure northern ireland was in a peaceful state and all to do with the eu's vaccine embarrassment and mismanagement. but vaccine embarrassment and mismanagement.— vaccine embarrassment and mismanagement. vaccine embarrassment and mismanaaement. �* ., mismanagement. but to the eu vaccine shortfall sees — mismanagement. but to the eu vaccine shortfall sees them _ mismanagement. but to the eu vaccine shortfall sees them first _ mismanagement. but to the eu vaccine shortfall sees them first vaccine - shortfall sees them first vaccine firms to get permission before exporting european made vaccines. the who warns against vaccine nationalism over the row