Facebook and Twitter Face Threat of Fines in U.K. Crackdown
- Ministers name Ofcom as watchdog to monitor harmful content
- U.K. expected to fine companies that fail to protect users
This article is for subscribers only.
Social media giants including Facebook and Twitter face the threat of fines if they fail to take down harmful content such as images of child abuse and material inciting violence, under a crackdown launched in the U.K.
The government is “minded” to give broadcast regulator Ofcom a role as internet watchdog, Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan and Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Wednesday. The proposals are yet to be fleshed out in detail, but the regulator is likely be handed the power to fine companies if they fail to protect British users from harmful content, according to a person familiar with the matter.