Will the Minister explain what measures the Welsh Government is taking as part of the forthcoming roll out of 5G technology across Wales to safeguard personal privacy and liberty online, and state whether a full health and safety assessment will be undertaken as part of this delivery?
As you are aware, telecommunications policy, including the roll-out of 5G, is not devolved with responsibility resting with the UK Government. It is also important to note that the roll-out of 5G services across Wales will not be led by Welsh Government, rather by the industry. The industry will need to roll-out 5G services safely and in adherence to the regulations around privacy, liberty, health and safety as set out in UK legislation.
However, we will continue to work closely with colleagues in DCMS regarding advice around 5G related personal privacy and online liberty.
Similarly, health and safety regulation concerning 5G technology is also not devolved, again resting with the UK Government. However, responsibility for the wider public health of the Welsh population is devolved to the Welsh Government.
The Welsh Government is advised by Public Health England’s Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards (PHE-CRCE) in relation to the protection of communities from radiation hazards, which includes 5G and related technologies.
PHE-CRCE states that it is possible that there may be a small increase in overall exposure to radio waves when 5G is added to an existing network or in a new area; however, the overall exposure is expected to remain low relative to guidelines and as such there should be no consequences for public health.