Comply or be fined: social media platforms face crackdown

The Government has outlined plans for new laws that would seek to curb the negative impact of social media.

Digital Secretary Matt Hancock (pictured), announcing the Government’s response to a consultation on online safety, said proposals for new legislation will be put forward later this year.

The plans would see an enforced code of conduct for social media platforms, including age restrictions and the removal of illegal content – with the threat of fines if firms do not comply.

The move is part of a series of measures included in the government’s response to the Internet Safety Strategy green paper, published on Sunday.

The consultation revealed users “feel powerless” to address safety issues online and that tech companies operate without sufficient oversight or transparency.

“Digital technology is overwhelmingly a force for good across the world and we must always champion innovation and change for the better,” said Hancock.

“At the same time I have been clear that we have to address the Wild West elements of the Internet through legislation, in a way that supports innovation. We strongly support technology companies to start up and grow, and we want to work with them to keep our citizens safe.”

Hancock added that with people spending more time online, it was more important than ever to ensure they feel safe and that children are protected.

“The measures we’re taking forward today will help make sure children are protected online and balance the need for safety with the great freedoms the internet brings just as we have to strike this balance offline.”