The Google, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok logos are displayed on a computer screen.
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LONDON – British regulators could soon have the power to fine and block social media giant sites like Facebook, TikTok and Twitter for failing to remove harmful content under new legislation.
Presented on Tuesday, the proposals are part of the UK government’s bid to force tech giants to remove their platforms from illegal and toxic content. Executives could be held personally liable for breach of a legally binding duty of protection. It occurs when authorities around the world curb Big Tech.
Social networking services that host user-generated content or allow people to talk to other online users should eliminate and limit the dissemination of content that includes child sexual abuse, terrorist material, or suicide, depending on the government. They will also need to do more so that children are not exposed to preparation, harassment or pornography.
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and other popular social networks will need to establish clear terms and conditions that set out how they deal with legal content but can cause significant physical or psychological harm to adults, such as misinformation about coronavirus vaccines.
The British media watchdog Ofcom will have the power to fine companies up to £ 18 million ($ 24 million) or 10% of their annual global revenue, whichever is higher, for non-compliance. Ofcom could also block access to non-compliant services in the UK
“I’m a professional shame on technology, but that may not mean free technology for everyone,” UK digital secretary Oliver Dowden said in a statement. “Today Britain sets the global standard for online safety with the most comprehensive approach to date of online regulation.”
“We are entering a new era of accountability for technology to protect children and vulnerable users, to restore confidence in this industry, and to enshrine in law guarantees for freedom of expression.”
Less than 3% of UK companies fall within the scope of online damages rules, the government said. The new regulatory framework will have to be voted on by the UK Parliament before it becomes law.
Dowden added: “This new framework provided will ensure that we do not put unnecessary burdens on small businesses, but will give large digital companies robust roadmaps to follow so we can harness the brilliance of modern technology to improve our lives.”
The announcement of the new rules comes as regulators around the world try to tighten up on Big Tech.
Later on Tuesday, the European Union will announce plans to sweep new digital reforms aimed at ensuring that technology giants take more responsibility for the content of their platforms. The rules are also expected to prevent these companies from promoting their own services while competing simultaneously with other services.
According to reports, technology companies could face fines similar to those proposed in the UK – up to 10% of annual global turnover – for non-compliance with new EU rules.
“In recent years, governments, society, and technology companies themselves have recognized the need to take coordinated action to address harmful content online,” said Ben Packer, a partner at global law firm Linklaters. “Today’s UK and EU proposals are the most ambitious measures announced anywhere.”
“While the regimes differ in many ways, both impose new and potentially heavy obligations on online platforms to protect their users from harmful content. They also propose severe penalties for non-compliance, including fines of up to 10% of the company global turnover “.