MPs & Peers back IAB pledges supporting smart regulation of ad-funded internet

Culture Media and Sport Committee Chair Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee The Rt Hon Baroness Tina Stowell, and Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens MP are just some of the growing cohort of MPs and Peers who have pledged their commitment to a smartly-regulated, ad-funded internet. 

The support that MPs and Peers are showing for the three pledges underscores a growing recognition of the role that digital advertising plays in providing free-to-use services, helping small businesses to flourish and creating a critical source of income for local journalism. These benefits have been quantified for the first time in The Digital Dividend, IAB UK’s recent report with Public First that proves the value of the UK’s digital ad industry to the UK economy, its businesses and people.  

Parliamentarians who have backed IAB UK’s pledges include:

• The Rt Hon. Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom
• Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore
• Jo Stevens, MP for Cardiff Central
• The Rt Hon. Baroness Stowell of Beeston MBE
• The Rt Hon. Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside
• Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport
• The Rt Hon. Lord Knight of Weymouth 
• Tom Rutland MP for East Worthing and Shoreham

These Parliamentarians have committed their support for the digital advertising industry by pledging to:

Maintain smart regulation

Ensuring that the UK remains a world leader in smart regulation of the ad-funded internet and the digital economy to protect consumers and boost the growth of British businesses. This includes regulation through robust sector-led standards that evolve to keep pace with technological innovation.

Support SMEs, regions and the digital advertising ecosystem

Supporting the growth of small businesses and the sustainability of local journalism in the UK. Recognising the pivotal role that digital advertising plays in providing a means for SMEs to boost consumer reach, generate revenue, and grow while creating a critical source of income that allows local journalism to flourish.

Maintain a free ad-funded internet

Preserving a free-to-access internet supported by digital advertising that empowers enterprise, innovation and journalism while respecting people’s privacy and personal data.

We will be continuing to add to this network of supporters in Parliament throughout 2024 through our ongoing roadshow of regional roundtables and our wider public affairs work to build a better understanding of and support for the digital advertising industry among UK policymakers.