Ofcom are consulting on how to maintain and strengthen public service broadcasting (PSB). With the rise of digital technologies, the regulatory and funding model that supports the current PSB framework has had its day so they ask whether and how it should be re-invented for the digital age. The deadline for submissions is 19 June 2008.

The EC want to “give a new boost to Europe’s online content sector” by regulating for a Single Market in content online. Issues under consideration include DRM, multi-territory licensing and piracy. Please comment on their questions and inform our work, which will be submitted to the EC the end of February ‘08.

This consultation is intended to bring greater flexibility to the UK copyright regime by strengthening existing and introducing some entirely new exceptions.

Freedom of Information legislation increased the transparency and accountability of government services. This consultation considers how we should extend the mechanism to to other suppliers of public services. Please comment in particular on the consultation’s nine questions, giving references where possible.

This review will consider whether there should be any changes to the way the Data Protection Act 1998 operates and the options for implementing any such changes. The deadline for submissions is 15 February 2008.

The Byron Review is an independent review of the risks to children from exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate material on the internet and in video games, under the auspices of the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

Deadline for submissions is Friday 30 November 2007, so please comment now to give us maximum time to author our response.

Deadline for submissions: 1 October 2007

Government is convinced one solution to law enforcement and public services difficulties is the creation of ever-larger data sets, containing our most personal information. Yet these typically insecure databases are a honey-pot for fraudsters, ID thieves and other nefarious powers. Thankfully, the Information Commissioner’s Office - whose remit ranges from data protection and electronic communications to freedom of information and environmental regulations - is developing a code of practice to help local authorities, the police and others understand the application or data protection guidelines to information sharing. This document is particularly valuable given the continued expansion by-stealth of official data-sharing powers. Please help us respond to their consultation by sharing your thoughts on the draft code.

Deadline for submissions: 28 September 2007

When Government is working on new policy, it gathers stakeholder opinion via a public consultation. Its the official channel for business, civil society and citizens to inform Government how to raise their game and better serve our interests. ORG has in its short history contributed to a good number of these consultations and will submit to many more in the future. The Cabinet Office is conducting a review to improve Government consultations. This is prime ORG territory, not least because Government loves to use computers and interwebs to engage citizens and encourage feedback, but also because open government depends on effective feedback mechanisms. Please read this concise and encouraging document and give us any comments you have on their suggested processes.

Deadline for submissions: 28 September 2007

The Information Commissioner’s Office is the UK’s independent authority, set up to promote access to official information and to protect personal information. They are developing long-term, top-level strategy for minimising data protection risk and want our opinions. Many of our own policies and discussions are closely align with their concerns. Please read this inspiring document then indicate where you support their position, and where you objection to their suggestions.