Ofcom could be given the power to fine social media companies in a bid to protect young users from harmful content on the platforms. Ofcom currently do not have the power to take action over materials on websites like Facebook and Youtube but now the government are considering letting them have to power to do so to stop harmful uploads.
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Earlier this year, the Home Office and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) gave proposals on online harm that would show social media firms becoming legally required to protect users.
DCMS have suggested that the new body could issue fines or even block access to certain websites. This may come later in time but at the moment the government is considering giving Ofcom “interim powers” to regulate “video-sharing platform services”.
A spokesman said: “The directive proposed a number of appropriate measures to protect minors and the general public from harmful content.
“The government has proposed that Ofcom is given interim powers to regulate video-sharing platform services and ensure they comply with minimum standards set out in the AVMSD (Audiovisual Media Services Directive) by the transposition deadline – 19 September 2020. We are currently consulting on this approach.”
Ofcom have commented to say they are ready to take on new responsibilities. At the moment Ofcom focus on television, radio and the supply of broadband, landline and mobile phone services.
The regulator would take charge of the new video sharing apps from 19 September 2020.
A spokesman for Ofcom said: “These new rules are an important first step in regulating video-sharing online, and we’ll work closely with the government to implement them.
“We also support plans to go further and legislate for a wider set of protections, including a duty of care for online companies towards their users.”
