The UK Online Safety Act imposes new obligations on social media companies, making them responsible for their content.
The bill came into force on 26 October 2023, but will take full effect next year. UK media regulator Ofcom will then monitor its implementation and take action against companies that fail to comply.
The recent outbreak of violence in the UK has been linked to the spread of misinformation on social media. This sparked protests across the country and resulted in numerous arrests and detentions, as well as significant property damage across the UK.
Following the stabbing attack in the English seaside town of Southport on 29 July, when 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana killed three children and injured 10 others, radical groups coordinated protests on social media platforms, spreading speculative news and calling for protests against migrants and Muslims.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hinted at tougher measures if social media companies did not work harder to remove harmful content, accusing them of inciting violence.
The new law would criminalise the dissemination of false or threatening content intended to cause psychological or physical harm. It will also impose new duties on social media platforms to remove illicit content such as incitement to racial hatred and criminal activity.
Companies that fail to comply can be fined up to £18 million ($24 million) or 10 per cent of their worldwide revenue, whichever is greater. Senior executives can also face criminal prosecution if they fail to comply with Ofcom’s information requirements.
