United Kingdom set to fine harmful online content source

United Kingdom

The British government has concluded plans to give regulators the power to fine social media companies( Facebook and Twitter) for harmful material shared through their platforms.

In a statement on Wednesday, the UK authorities; said it will give power to the telecommunications watchdog, Ofcom, to enforce a "duty of care" on companies, "to protect users from harmful and illegal terrorist and child abuse content".

Companies that allow harmful material to flourish or don't remove it quickly could be sanctioned, the government said.

Ofcom, which currently supervises the radio and television broadcasters, has the power to impose fines or even sanctions on repeat offenders by taking them off the air.

The government added that it was "minded" to make the changes, but some new legislation will be needed for it to be operational. To this end, the officials would be working to draft a new law in no time.

Nicky Morgan, UK's Digital Secretary said the new regulations would be "proportionate and strong".

"We have an incredible opportunity to lead the world in building a thriving digital economy, driven by groundbreaking technology, that is trusted by and protects everyone in the UK," she said.

However following the announcement, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, welcomed the development and said "a duty of care model that puts the onus on big tech to prevent online harms" is good.

On their part, the free-speech advocates have expressed concerns about State attempts to limit activity that may be harmful but is not illegal.

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