The bill also proposes prosecuting tech company executives within two months of coming into force. In previous versions, companies had two years to comply with the new provisions. The bill must be approved by both houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
Online Safety Bill Wants Tech Platforms to be Responsive to Ofcom
UK government first took up the task of addressing online harms — namely cyberbullying, material encouraging self-harm, and pornography — in an April 2019 White Paper, which has since turned into a bill with several iterations. Now, the government has finally tabled a bill for parliament to debate over. The bill gives Ofcom, the country’s communications regulator, the power to fine tech companies if they do not comply. The fines could amount to 10% of the company’s annual revenue. Ofcom can also compel companies to improve their practices, and block sites that do not fall in line. Ofcom will also have the power to initiate criminal action against executives of non-compliant companies. These execs could face a prison term within two months of the bill becoming law, a significant reduction over the last draft that called for two years. Below are some actions which could attract criminals penalties:
Destruction of evidence. Failure to attend or provide false information to the regulator. Obstructing Ofcom when they try to enter company premises.
Other Significant Changes in the Bill
The focus of the bill is to protect children online, tackle illegal activities, and ensure social media platforms, search engines, and other apps and websites take more accountability for the content they host. Based on the feedback it received on previous versions of the bill, the UK government has introduced the following changes:
Social media sites and search engines must check for paid-for scam advertisements on their platforms. Websites that publish or host pornography must ensure their users are 18 years old or over. To clamp down on cyber-bullying and online trolling, companies must give users more control over who can reach them and what type of content they view online. Companies must proactively remove “the most harmful illegal content and criminal activity” in a speedy manner. Criminalize cyberflashing, the act of sending illicit and unwanted photos to strangers.
UK Digital Minister Compares new Protections to Seat Belts in Cars
With the government in power holding a strong majority in the House of Commons, there is a belief that the bill could become law this year. In a statement, UK Digital Secretary Nadine said the central aim of the bill is to make the UK “the safest place to go online.” Dorries stressed the need to hold tech companies accountable for the harmful content on their platforms. “We don’t give it a second’s thought when we buckle our seat belts to protect ourselves when driving. Given all the risks online, it’s only sensible we ensure similar basic protections for the digital age,” Dorries said. “If we fail to act, we risk sacrificing the wellbeing and innocence of countless generations of children to the power of unchecked algorithms.” If this story caught your attention, we recommend checking out our definitive guide on cyberbullying.
