May 12, 2021

Britain’s new law, The Online Safety Bill, will require social media companies and websites to take action to remove illegal content such as hate crimes, harassment, and threats against individuals.

Companies that fail to comply face hefty fines of up to $25 million from regulator Ofcom, which can also block access to their websites.

If adopted, social media companies will also be obliged to remove or limit terrorist content, child abuse, and suicidal content that they must report to the authorities.

In addition, The law will require companies to protect freedom of expression and stop removing material that has been unfairly removed, prohibiting technology companies from holding discriminatory political views, with Ofcom holding them responsible for the arbitrary removal of journalistic content.

For more information, read the original story in Reuters.