UK's Online Safety Bill drops rules forcing social media to remove 'legal but harmful' content
Social media companies will still be required to remove illegal content, related to criminal activities such as fraud, threats to kill, harass and stalk people, the sale of illicit drugs and weapons, and revenge pornography. They will, however, be free to set their own policies on how to deal with content that may be harmful but isn't illegal to post in their terms of service. If they do decide to take down any content or ban a user, they will have to allow users to appeal the decision.
The Online Safety Bill was designed with protecting children in mind. Platforms will have to publish their terms of service for younger users, including specifying a minimum age, explaining how they verify age if they use facial recognition technology, for example. Clear warnings about the potential risks and dangers children might face using the social media application need to be provided too.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Plan to make big tech remove harmful content axedMinister denies weakening the Online Safety Bill after dropping the 'legal but harmful' material measures.
Read more »
i morning briefing: Can the Online Safety Bill really protect children?📨 i morning briefing: Can the Online Safety Bill really protect children? 📬 Sign up to our Early Edition newsletter here ⬇️
Read more »
Why changes to the Government's Online Safety Bill are controversialMeasures which would have forced big technology platforms to remove “legal but harmful” material have been axed from the Online Safety Bill ⬇️ emsferg explains
Read more »
Government denies weakening Online Safety BillNew law will not require removal of 'legal but harmful' content, which critics said risked free speech.
Read more »
Why the Online Safety Bill is proving so controversialWe look at the rocky path the legislation to protect people online has taken - and where it will go next.
Read more »