CNet: UK to unleash internet safety czar on Google, Facebook, Twitter
Social media companies will face huge fines if they fail to live up to their "duty of care" to internet users.
The UK government is taking a hard line when it comes to online safety, moving to establish what it says is the world's first independent regulator to keep social media companies in check.
Companies that fail to live up to requirements will face huge fines, and senior directors who are proven to have been negligent will be held personally liable. They may also find access to their sites blocked.
The new measures, designed to make the internet a safer place, were announced jointly by the Home Office and Department of Culture, Media and Sport. The introduction of the regulator is the central recommendation of a highly anticipated government white paper, titled Online Harms, published early Monday in the UK.
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WNU Editor: The UK government's White Paper on regulating the internet is here .... Online Harms White Paper (Gov.uk).
Update: Facebook does not have many friends .... New Zealand called to follow Australia's lead after Facebook slammed as 'morally bankrupt' (ABC News).
More News On The U.K.'s White Paper On Regulating the Internet
Britain plans social media watchdog to battle harmful content -- Reuters
Websites to be fined over 'online harms' under new proposals -- BBC
UK plan steps up global crackdown on social media -- AP
Britain plans social media regulation to battle harmful content -- CNBC/Reuters
U.K. Authorities Propose Making Social Media Executives Personally Responsible for Harmful Content -- Time
Social media firms including Facebook and Twitter to be legally forced to protect users -- The Independent
Social media firms to be penalised for not removing child abuse -- The Guardian
Websites to be fined or blocked for 'online harms' under new proposals -- ITV
UK plans to hold Facebook, other social media firms liable for harmful content -- DW
Britain proposes world's first new Internet safety laws for social media -- UPI
