(CLO) The UK will fine social networks, search engines and messaging apps if illegal content appears on their platforms.
Specifically, starting next Monday, according to the UK's media regulator Ofcom, social media platforms, search engines and messaging apps will have to take strict measures to quickly remove illegal content and minimize related risks.
Under the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA), tech companies must complete risk assessments around illegal content by the end of this week, to determine the extent to which users are likely to encounter such content on their platforms.
Ofcom's goal is to protect users from harmful content online. Illustration photo.
For direct messaging services between users, risk assessment includes the potential for the platform to be used to commit or facilitate criminal acts.
Illegal content falls under 17 priority categories, including terrorism, child sexual abuse, inciting or assisting suicide, stalking, as well as drug-related crimes, fraud and scams.
Ofcom will assess platforms’ compliance with new rules on illegal content under the OSA, and impose sanctions if they are found to be in breach. The law was passed by the UK Parliament in 2023 and is being rolled out in phases this year and next.
UK law firm Linklaters called the new rules “a major first milestone” in the implementation of the OSA. Under the law, companies could be fined up to £18 million or 10% of their global turnover, whichever is higher.
Under the new rules, tech companies must ensure that their content moderation teams are well-trained and resourced. They must also set clear performance targets to quickly remove illegal content when it is discovered. Platforms must also test their algorithms to limit the spread of illegal content.
Ofcom will initially focus on large platforms where there is a higher risk of harmful content appearing, particularly those with large UK user bases or a high risk of spreading harmful content.
“Platforms need to comply with their legal obligations quickly. Our Code is designed to help them do that. But remember, any company that fails to put in place the necessary safeguards will face the full force of the law,” warned Suzanne Cater, Ofcom’s Director of Enforcement.
Cao Phong (according to FT, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/vuong-quoc-anh-se-phat-nang-cac-mang-xa-hoi-neu-de-xuat-hien-noi-dung-bat-hop-phap-post338963.html
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