In performing its general duties under Section 3 of the
Communications Act (the Act), Ofcom is required to promote and
facilitate the development and use of effective forms of
self-regulation according to Section 6(2) of the Act. Shortly after Ofcom came into existence, a consultation was held
seeking views on the criteria which Ofcom will use in promoting
effective co- and self-regulation. This resulted in the publication of
statement in 2004 establishing 13 different criteria to be applied by
Ofcom in discharging its duties to promote and facilitate co- and
self-regulation.
Since 2004, there has been a increasing body of knowledge in
relation to the application of co- and self- outside of the
communications sector and internationally. Ofcom therefore considers that it is timely to review its
approach to discharging its duties in relation to promoting and
facilitating appropriate forms of co- and self-regulation. This consultation document proposes that a new approach be
adopted by Ofcom when making initial assessments of when it might be
appropriate to facilitate self- or co-regulation. Ofcom believes that
such an approach should be done in a straightforward, consistent and
objective manner in order to further the interests of the citizen and
consumer. Stakeholders are asked to respond to this consultation,
answering the specific questions at Annex A and providing any
additional comments that they may have. Ofcom welcomes suggestions for
possible co- and self regulatory schemes within the UK communications
sector.
See Press release
Source: OFCOM
condoc.pdf (245,35 KB)