Technology
FB, YouTube may face heavy fines in UK for harmful content
London, Aug 12
Social networking giants Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are set to face heavy fines in Britain for failing to filter out harmful content on their platforms, the media reported.
As part of the government's plan, Britain's broadcasting watchdog Ofcom would be given new legal powers to monitor, investigate and fine social platforms for sharing or live-streaming "harmful" videos, including pornography, violence and child abuse, the Telegraph reported on Sunday.
With the new powers, the broadcast watchdog of the UK would be able to issue fines of 250,000 pounds (around $300,000) or an amount worth up to five per cent of the company's revenue, if the sites fail to establish strict age verification checks and parental controls to safeguard kids from exposure to harmful videos.
If the tech giants fail to comply with enforcement measures, the Ofcom would have the authority to "suspend" or "restrict" the tech giants' services in the UK, The Sun reported on Monday, citing the Telegraph.
Reports about this new crackdown is seen as an interim measure and comes ahead of the UK government's White Paper plans for a statutory duty of care to combat online harms, the report said.
Over the last couple of years, several cases of teen suicides, supposedly encouraged by provocative content or trolling on social networking platforms have come to light.
Earlier this year, Facebook also received heavy backlash after video of the terrorist attack on Christchurch mosque in New Zealand was live-streamed.
Using "appropriate information gathering" powers, regulator ofcom may order sites like Facebook or Youtube to hand over data or algorithms which many say drive content to vulnerable children, the report added.
As part of the government's plan, Britain's broadcasting watchdog Ofcom would be given new legal powers to monitor, investigate and fine social platforms for sharing or live-streaming "harmful" videos, including pornography, violence and child abuse, the Telegraph reported on Sunday.
With the new powers, the broadcast watchdog of the UK would be able to issue fines of 250,000 pounds (around $300,000) or an amount worth up to five per cent of the company's revenue, if the sites fail to establish strict age verification checks and parental controls to safeguard kids from exposure to harmful videos.
If the tech giants fail to comply with enforcement measures, the Ofcom would have the authority to "suspend" or "restrict" the tech giants' services in the UK, The Sun reported on Monday, citing the Telegraph.
Reports about this new crackdown is seen as an interim measure and comes ahead of the UK government's White Paper plans for a statutory duty of care to combat online harms, the report said.
Over the last couple of years, several cases of teen suicides, supposedly encouraged by provocative content or trolling on social networking platforms have come to light.
Earlier this year, Facebook also received heavy backlash after video of the terrorist attack on Christchurch mosque in New Zealand was live-streamed.
Using "appropriate information gathering" powers, regulator ofcom may order sites like Facebook or Youtube to hand over data or algorithms which many say drive content to vulnerable children, the report added.
2 hours ago
PM Modi in New York talks about 'Pushp' as way forward
2 hours ago
We are putting in all possible efforts to host the 2036 Olympics": PM Modi in New York
2 hours ago
PM Modi praises President Biden's hospitality: "His warmth touched my heart"
2 hours ago
India to open two new consulates in Boston & Los Angeles: PM Modi
3 hours ago
America-India is the AI power of the new world: PM Modi
3 hours ago
Have always understood capabilites of Indian diaspora...I call you Rashtradoot: PM Modi in New York
3 hours ago
India's 'Namaste' has become multinational, "local se global ho gaya": PM Modi tells diaspora in New York
4 hours ago
PM Modi given thunderous welcome at Nassau Coliseum, to address Indian diaspora in US shortly
7 hours ago
Security heightened for PM Modi’s New York rally
7 hours ago
NRIs recall PM Modi's early US visits: Visionary leadership and tech enthusiasm
8 hours ago
Thousands travel from across US to attend PM Modi's diaspora event in Uniondale
11 hours ago
PM Modi arrives in New York to attend UN Summit of the Future
11 hours ago
PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Biden, discusses global, regional issues: MEA