As the authorities toughen digital laws, videos that show migrants arriving in Britain illegally using small boats in a positive light will be removed. The government described these clips as aiding and abetting immigration law violations.
(Photo : BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Migrants picked up at sea while attempting to cross the English Channel, arrive at the port on UK Border Force cutter 'BF Defender' in Dover, southeast England, on January 2, 2023. - More than 45,000 migrants crossed the Channel to the UK from mainland Europe in 2022, surpassing last year's record by more than 17,000, according to government figures released Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Migrants picked up at sea while attempting to cross the English Channel, arrive at the port on UK Border Force cutter 'BF Defender' in Dover, southeast England, on January 2, 2023. - More than 45,000 migrants crossed the Channel to the UK from mainland Europe in 2022, surpassing last year's record by more than 17,000, according to government figures released Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Migrants Illegally Crossing English Channel Videos
The United Kingdom reported more than 45,000 people crossed the English Channel to the country in small boats over the past year, with 90 crossing on Christmas day. Videos circulated online show videos like this and narrate them in a positive light.
Because of this, the government will be expanding the scope of its Online Safety Bill to toughen digital laws on several platforms. Engadget reported that videos of migrants illegally crossing the English channel will be banned as part of the amendment.
Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport Secretary Michelle Donelan leads the amendment with other politicians included. She stated, "Stopping these crossings is one of this government's top priorities."
The added restrictions came after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak received concerns both from his own members of parliament and the public to deal with this increasing number of small boats crossing the English channel.
Last year, Reuters reported that a small boat that crossed the Channel led to four deaths after the boat loaded with migrants, heading to Britain from France. Donelan stated that the use of dangerous methods to enter this country like unseaworthy or small and overcrowded boats challenges the authorities.
The Home Office said that posts promoting illegal routes to the United Kingdom are adding more vulnerability to people's lives at risk and criminal charges.
The statement added, "Tech firms will have to take proactive steps to stop people smugglers from carrying out their business on social media and remove content that seeks to aid, abet or encourage people to commit an existing immigration offense."
Other Prohibited Content
The removal of the immigrant videos will be included in the pull crossing-related videos that internet platforms remove rapidly because of the bill, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and terrorist content.
Platforms will also have to remove content that promotes conversion therapy practices for LGBTQ+ members. "We remain committed to protecting people from these practices and making sure they can live their lives free from the threat of harm or abuse," Donelan added.
According to the proposed amendment, Senior company leaders could be fined or face imprisonment if they have consented or connived to ignore these videos to ban. Violations of any aspect of the bill could lead to £18 million or $22.3 million. This totals 10% of a company's global turnover.
Related Article: Online Safety Bill Finally Reaches the UK Parliament - Know the Bill's Current Structure Here
