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UK could jail social media bosses

by on13 January 2023


If they don't do enough to protect children

The UK’s Online Safety Bill could be amended to include jail terms for social media bosses who fail to meet the requirements of the law.

Currently, social media companies can be fined up to 10 per cent of their global revenues if they do not implement measures to keep children safe on their platforms.

The new proposals could mean senior social notworking managers could be locked up if required measures aren’t implemented. We doubt that means that Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerburg will be headed to Wormwood Scrubs just yet, as the UK government has consistently shown fear of doing anything that will hack off big tech companies -- like making them pay taxes.

To make matters worse, the Conservative government leadership does not support the jail terms. Just 36 Conservative backbench rebels want harsher punishments included in the bill.

Usually, these rebels wouldn’t pose an issue, but they’re also supported by the Labour Party, which means they could take down the death star.

The amendment is also supported by an unspecified number of child protection charities. They believe the bill will only be effective if bosses face the threat of personal liability.

The rebels have said they are open to concessions, but personal liability must be retained.

 

Last modified on 13 January 2023
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