§ 44 — Publicity regarding non‑compliance with directions

44.—(1) If the Minister is satisfied that a provider of a social media service, a relevant electronic service or an internet access service does not comply with a Part 3 direction, the Minister may direct a competent authority —(a)

to prepare a statement to that effect; and

(b)

to publish the statement on the official website of the competent authority.

(2) If —(a)

a competent authority has prepared a statement under subsection (1) in relation to a provider of a social media service, a relevant electronic service or an internet access service;

(b)

the statement has been published on the official website of the competent authority; and

(c)

the Minister is satisfied that the provider of that service complies with that Part 3 direction,

the competent authority must remove the statement from that official website.

(3) Statements published under this section are protected by absolute privilege.

—(1) If the Minister is satisfied that a provider of a social media service, a relevant electronic service or an internet access service does not comply with a Part 3 direction, the Minister may direct a competent authority —(a)

to prepare a statement to that effect; and

(b)

to publish the statement on the official website of the competent authority.

(2) If —(a)

a competent authority has prepared a statement under subsection (1) in relation to a provider of a social media service, a relevant electronic service or an internet access service;

(b)

the statement has been published on the official website of the competent authority; and

(c)

the Minister is satisfied that the provider of that service complies with that Part 3 direction,

the competent authority must remove the statement from that official website.

(3) Statements published under this section are protected by absolute privilege.