The internet can be a fun space that allows you to connect with others and is also a source of entertainment for many people. However, the internet can also be a very dangerous place, especially for children.
In June, the UK government voiced its concern about the growing number of people suffering from harassment and mental health problems because of what they encounter online. This has prompted the government to water down its proposed powers over the internet.
UK's Online Safety Bill
In March, the Online Safety Bill was brought before the UK Parliament. The bill is part of the government's plan to make the United Kingdom the safest place to go online.
Currently, websites, including social media platforms, are responsible for identifying and removing harmful or criminal behavior on their websites.
If the Parliament passes the Online Safety Bill, UK's communications regulator Ofcom will be able to tell the social media giants such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, what content can and cannot be shown to its British users.
Also Read: UK Wants Tech Firms to Verify User Identity to BLOCK Anonymous Trolls
Basically, it was designed so that UK internet users could have a safer digital experience that protects children from harmful content and limits their exposure to illegal content while still protecting freedom of speech.
The bill will also hold tech giants accountable whenever they allow posts on their sites that are deemed inappropriate. If proven guilty, tech giants will have to pay 10% of their global turnover as a fine, according to E&T Magazine.
How will the Online Safety Bill affect British Users?
Aside from illegal and harmful content, the bill also aims to tackle online criminal offenses like cyber-flashing because they fall outside the definition of indecent exposure.
The bill also introduces new measures that allow internet users more control over who can contact them and what they see online. It will require all websites that publish pornography to verify if the users trying to watch the videos are over 18 years of age.
However, the bill will only cover websites and social media platforms. It will not apply to things like text, emails, and phone calls, according to Prospect Magazine.
MPs Criticize the Online Safety Bill
The premise may sound good on paper, but several MPs have clarified that the legislative is nothing but a "wolf in sheep's clothing." They believe that the culture secretary will have too much influence on the content posted on the internet.
Julian Knight, the Conservative MP who chairs the digital, culture, and sport committee, warned that the secretary of state would have too much influence over Ofcom.
Knight called for the removal of clauses in the bill that would allow the UK's culture secretary, Nadine Dorries, to order Ofcom to change codes of practice.
The codes of practice include dealing with child sexual exploitation content and terrorists before the Parliament even considers them.
In an interview with The Guardian, Knight said that the regulator must be free from interference in order to secure free media.
Knight added that the UK government will still have a vital role in the implementation of the bill, but Ofcom will be pressured into answering the demands of the secretary of state regarding the internet content.
Related Article: UK Firms Up Against Disinformation With Cooperation of Internet Firms, Preventing Russia's 'Hostile Online Warfare'
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Sophie Webster