Social media firms could face fines over harmful online content
The draft legislation, previously known as the Online Harms Bill, has been two years in the making.
I've spent the past year investigating the very real-world harm myths and conspiracy theories shared online - about the pandemic, vaccines, and elections - can cause offline. But those who I've interviewed - who have already been impacted by online conspiracies - would argue this comes too late to protect them and their loved ones.The government has added a new duty of care for social-media sites to protect content defined as "democratically important". This includes content promoting or opposing government policy or a political party ahead of a vote, election or referendum.
The government said companies would need to "put in place safeguards for freedom of expression" and have effective routes for users to appeal.Ofcom will issue codes of practice outlining the systems and processes that companies need to adopt in order to be compliant.
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