THE “GREY area” surrounding digital content that is offensive – but not illegal – will need to be considered as part of online harms legislation being developed by the government, a scrutiny panel has heard. Assistant Children’s Minister Malcolm Ferey also told the Children, Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel that there was a “delicate balance” to be struck with free speech and freedom of expression. A consultation is currently open on bespoke Jersey legislation that will seek to provide “stronger rights to get illegal content removed from social media, websites and search engines”. During a scrutiny hearing yesterday afternoon, panel member Deputy Helen Miles noted the government had previously stated that “challenges will remain where content may be considered ‘inappropriate’ but is not currently illegal in Jersey’s legislative framework”. The Law Commission has also been asked to identify gaps in the Island’s current legislation and bring forward recommended changes.