Ofcom will have power to penalise sites that fail to remove harmful content
Social media firms could be fined billions of pounds for not protecting users, under proposed new UK legislation.
The government’s Online Harms Bill, which will be brought forward next year, would give Ofcom the power to fine companies up to £18m or 10% of global turnover, whichever is higher, for failing in their duty of care to users.
In the case of Facebook, this figure would equate to more than £5bn. Twitter could theoretically face a penalty of around £250m.
Such fines could be levied for failing to remove harmful or illegal content, including abuse, incitements to terror, or material encouraging self-harm of suicide.
In addition to financial punishments, the new law would also give the communications watchdog the power to block online platforms that do not protect users, particularly children and other vulnerable people.
Related content
- Our response to online harms should focus as much on cure as prevention
- Digital minister: ‘Online anonymity is important’
- Government unveils plans for social media regulator
Social media sites, websites, apps and other services which host user-generated content or allow people to talk to others online will need to remove and limit the spread of illegal content such as child sexual abuse, terrorist material and suicide content.
The regulator would be able to fine tech giants such as Facebook billions of pounds, and require them to publish an audit of efforts to tackle harmful posts.
The bill will also allow Ofcom to demand that tech firms take action against child abuse imagery shared via encrypted messages, even if the apps are designed to ensure privacy.
The overnment said tech platforms will need to do far more to protect children from being exposed to harmful content or activity such as grooming, bullying and pornography.
The bill does not include criminal liability for senior executives at firms that break the rules, but it does allow that to be brought in later through secondary legislation if the initial measures do not work.
Digital secretary Oliver Dowden told parliament the legislation represented “decisive action” to protect both children and adults online.
He said: “A 13-year-old should no longer be able to access pornographic images on Twitter, YouTube will not be allowed to recommend videos promoting terrorist ideologies and anti-Semitic hate crimes will need to be removed without delay.”
In a statement after the announcement, Dowden said: “I’m unashamedly pro tech but that can’t mean a tech free for all. Today Britain is setting the global standard for safety online with the most comprehensive approach yet to online regulation. We are entering a new age of accountability for tech to protect children and vulnerable users, to restore trust in this industry, and to enshrine in law safeguards for free speech. “
He added: “This proportionate new framework will ensure we don’t put unnecessary burdens on small businesses but give large digital businesses robust rules of the road to follow so we can seize the brilliance of modern technology to improve our lives.”
Ofcom’s chief executive, Dame Melanie Dawes, said: “We’re really pleased to take on this new role, which will build on our experience as a media regulator. Being online brings huge benefits, but four in five people have concerns about it. That shows the need for sensible, balanced rules that protect users from serious harm, but also recognise the great things about online, including free expression. We’re gearing up for the task by acquiring new technology and data skills, and we’ll work with parliament as it finalises the plans.”
Mexican Easy Pharm: Mexican Easy Pharm – buying from online mexican pharmacy
buying prescription drugs in mexico https://mexicaneasypharm.com/# Mexican Easy Pharm
mexican pharmaceuticals online
buying from online mexican pharmacy https://mexicaneasypharm.com/# Mexican Easy Pharm
mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa
http://semapharm24.com/# buy semaglutide
prednisone 20 mg tablets
http://cytpharm.com/# buy cytotec online
prednisone 20 mg tablet price
https://predpharm.shop/# prednisone 10mg tablet price
prednisone
https://dappharm.shop/# Priligy tablets
prednisone over the counter cost
https://cytpharm.com/# buy cytotec online
prednisone cream over the counter
http://cytpharm.com/# Misoprostol 200 mg buy online
prednisone 500 mg tablet
http://dappharm.com/# dapoxetine online
steroids prednisone for sale
http://dappharm.com/# DapPharm
prednisone online for sale
https://predpharm.shop/# PredPharm
prednisone 10 mg
https://dappharm.com/# DapPharm
prednisone pills for sale
https://semapharm24.com/# rybelsus semaglutide tablets
how to purchase prednisone online
http://predpharm.com/# PredPharm
prednisone 50 mg coupon
https://cytpharm.com/# Cyt Pharm
prednisone 20mg by mail order
https://farmabrufen.shop/# BRUFEN 600 acquisto online
farmacia online piГ№ conveniente
https://farmabrufen.com/# BRUFEN prezzo
migliori farmacie online 2024
Farmacie online sicure: farmaci senza ricetta elenco – Farmacia online piГ№ conveniente
Farmacie online sicure
farmacie online affidabili Cialis generico prezzo Farmacia online miglior prezzo
Resorts provide both gaming and relaxation options. https://jugabet.xyz/# Los jugadores deben jugar con responsabilidad.
Los casinos celebran festivales de juego anualmente.: win chile – winchile
jugabet casino jugabet chile Los casinos garantizan una experiencia de calidad.
Poker rooms host exciting tournaments regularly. http://phmacao.life/# The casino experience is memorable and unique.
Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests.: taya365.art – taya365
The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts. https://winchile.pro/# п»їLos casinos en Chile son muy populares.
Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests.: phtaya casino – phtaya
Security measures ensure a safe environment. http://phmacao.life/# The poker community is very active here.
Promotions are advertised through social media channels.: taya777 app – taya777 app
Slot machines attract players with big jackpots. https://taya365.art/# The poker community is very active here.
Some casinos have luxurious spa facilities.: taya777 login – taya777 app
п»їCasinos in the Philippines are highly popular. http://jugabet.xyz/# Los bonos de bienvenida son generosos.
Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests.: taya365 – taya365.art
The poker community is very active here. https://jugabet.xyz/# Los casinos organizan noches de trivia divertidas.
Players often share tips and strategies.: taya777.icu – taya777.icu
Slot machines feature various exciting themes. http://phmacao.life/# Gaming regulations are overseen by PAGCOR.
La ruleta es un juego emocionante aquГ.: jugabet chile – jugabet chile
Visitors come from around the world to play. https://phtaya.tech/# Casino promotions draw in new players frequently.
Security measures ensure a safe environment.: taya365.art – taya365 com login
taya777 app taya777 register login Game rules can vary between casinos.
The casino scene is constantly evolving. http://phmacao.life/# Promotions are advertised through social media channels.
La competencia entre casinos beneficia a los jugadores.: winchile casino – winchile.pro
The casino atmosphere is thrilling and energetic.: taya777 login – taya777 app
jugabet jugabet casino Los jugadores pueden disfrutar desde casa.
The thrill of winning keeps players engaged.: taya365 – taya365
Many casinos provide shuttle services for guests.: phtaya casino – phtaya.tech
Las reservas en lГnea son fГЎciles y rГЎpidas.: winchile.pro – win chile
Slot machines feature various exciting themes. http://phmacao.life/# The gaming floors are always bustling with excitement.
The Philippines has several world-class integrated resorts.: phtaya casino – phtaya casino
The gaming floors are always bustling with excitement.: taya365 com login – taya365 com login
The gaming floors are always bustling with excitement.: phtaya casino – phtaya login
The Philippines offers a rich gaming culture. http://phtaya.tech/# Game rules can vary between casinos.
Los casinos ofrecen entretenimiento en vivo.: jugabet casino – jugabet casino
mexican mail order pharmacies: mexican rx online – medicine in mexico pharmacies
offshore pharmacy no prescription https://megaindiapharm.shop/# reputable indian pharmacies
easy canadian pharm: easy canadian pharm – easy canadian pharm
canadian pharmacy discount code http://familypharmacy.company/# online pharmacy delivery usa
Cheapest online pharmacy: Best online pharmacy – Online pharmacy USA
easy canadian pharm easy canadian pharm easy canadian pharm
canadian pharmacy coupon code https://megaindiapharm.shop/# Mega India Pharm
Online medicine home delivery: pharmacy website india – MegaIndiaPharm
discount drugs discount drug mart pharmacy drugmart
online pharmacy no prescription needed https://megaindiapharm.shop/# Mega India Pharm
medicine in mexico pharmacies: mexican drugstore online – xxl mexican pharm
MegaIndiaPharm: MegaIndiaPharm – Mega India Pharm
easy canadian pharm easy canadian pharm easy canadian pharm
best no prescription pharmacy https://easycanadianpharm.com/# easy canadian pharm
buying prescription drugs in mexico online: xxl mexican pharm – mexican online pharmacies prescription drugs
cheapest pharmacy for prescriptions https://familypharmacy.company/# online pharmacy delivery usa
vipps approved canadian online pharmacy northern pharmacy canada easy canadian pharm
Cheapest online pharmacy: cheapest pharmacy to fill prescriptions with insurance – legal online pharmacy coupon code
buying prescription drugs from canada http://megaindiapharm.com/# indian pharmacy paypal
canadian pharmacy coupon code https://easycanadianpharm.com/# online canadian pharmacy
canadianpharmacymeds com easy canadian pharm is canadian pharmacy legit
legal online pharmacy coupon code https://familypharmacy.company/# Cheapest online pharmacy
canadian pharmacy no prescription https://familypharmacy.company/# online pharmacy delivery usa
drug mart: discount drugs – discount drug mart
canadian pharmacy coupon https://xxlmexicanpharm.com/# mexican drugstore online
canadian pharmacy coupon code: drug mart – discount drug mart pharmacy
no prescription pharmacy paypal https://xxlmexicanpharm.com/# mexican pharmaceuticals online
discount drug mart pharmacy drugmart discount drug mart
easy canadian pharm: reliable canadian pharmacy – easy canadian pharm
canadian pharmacy without prescription https://easycanadianpharm.com/# canadian pharmacies comparison
Mega India Pharm buy prescription drugs from india Mega India Pharm
online pharmacy delivery usa: offshore pharmacy no prescription – Best online pharmacy
no prescription pharmacy paypal https://easycanadianpharm.com/# canada discount pharmacy
canadian pharmacy scam: pharmacy canadian – legal to buy prescription drugs from canada
canadian pharmacy world coupon http://familypharmacy.company/# Online pharmacy USA
pharmacy without prescription https://megaindiapharm.com/# cheapest online pharmacy india
promo code for canadian pharmacy meds https://megaindiapharm.com/# Mega India Pharm
Best online pharmacy Best online pharmacy Cheapest online pharmacy
garuda888 garuda888 Bermain slot bisa menjadi pengalaman sosial
https://garuda888.top/# Pemain harus menetapkan batas saat bermain
Slot memberikan kesempatan untuk menang besar https://garuda888.top/# Slot menjadi daya tarik utama di kasino
https://bonaslot.site/# Pemain sering berbagi tips untuk menang
Kasino mendukung permainan bertanggung jawab https://slotdemo.auction/# Pemain sering mencoba berbagai jenis slot
https://slotdemo.auction/# Banyak kasino menawarkan permainan langsung yang seru
https://slotdemo.auction/# п»їKasino di Indonesia sangat populer di kalangan wisatawan
Slot dengan bonus putaran gratis sangat populer http://preman69.tech/# Pemain bisa menikmati slot dari kenyamanan rumah
http://bonaslot.site/# Beberapa kasino memiliki area khusus untuk slot