Social media/internet sites could be fined or blocked if they continue to fail to tackle ‘online harms’ such as child abuse and terrorist propaganda.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has proposed an independent watchdog that will write a “code of practice” for technology companies. Senior managers could be held liable for breaches with a possible fine on the business to fund the regulator.
The Online Harms White Paper is a joint proposal from the DCMS and Home Office. A public consultation on the plans will run for 12 weeks.
The paper suggests:
- establishing an independent regulator that can write a “code of practice” for social networks and internet companies
- giving the regulator enforcement powers including the ability to fine companies that break the rules
- considering additional enforcement powers such as the ability to fine company executives and force internet service providers to block sites that break the rules
The plan covers a range of issues that are clearly defined in law such as spreading terrorist content, child sex abuse, hate crimes, harassment, so-called revenge pornography and the sale of illegal goods. It will also cover the harmful behaviour that has a less clear legal definition such as cyber bullying, trolling and the spread of fake news.
Outlining the proposals, Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Jeremy Wright said: “The era of self-regulation for online companies is over.
“Voluntary actions from industry to tackle online harms have not been applied consistently or gone far enough.”
The government has not decided whether a new body will be established or an existing one handed new powers. The regulator will define a “code of best practice” that social networks and internet companies must follow. Facebook, Twitter, Google and Snapchat are among the companies who the rules apply to. The regulator will have the power to fine any company and publish notices for breaking the rules.
Rebecca Stimson, Facebook’s head of UK policy, said in a statement: “New regulations are needed so that we have a standardised approach across platforms and private companies aren’t making so many important decisions alone.
“New rules for the internet should protect society from harm while also supporting innovation, the digital economy and freedom of speech.”
Twitter’s head of UK public policy Katy Minshall said in a statement: “We look forward to engaging in the next steps of the process, and working to strike an appropriate balance between keeping users safe and preserving the open, free nature of the internet.”
