The Cambridge Analytica scandal has brought digital campaigning to the fore, particularly issues concerning how such campaigning should be regulated. The story also illustrated that the growth of digital campaigning has not been mirrored by a development in the legislation governing such campaigning, leading to legitimate fears of undue influence in democratic processes. No single UK regulator covers digital political campaigning. This report outlines the existing legislative and regulatory environment
The author argues for a number of reforms to the current system, including new rules on donation and spending transparency, a review of the ‘democratic engagement’ exemption in the data protection act, and an extension of electoral regulations.
