Internet Safety Regulations in the U.K.

The U.K. Labour government is considering toughening internet safety regulations after misinformation led to anti-immigration protests and incendiary comments by Elon Musk on social media. The Online Safety Act aims to force tech companies to remove illegal content from their platforms, with potential fines and jail time for repeat breaches. Calls for revisiting the Act have arisen following recent events.

Proposed Changes to British Online Safety Act to Regulate Social Media Companies

The British government is considering changes to the Online Safety Act to regulate social media companies following racist rioting driven by false information online. The act allows fines up to 10% of global turnover for breaches and could now include 'legal but harmful' content like misinformation. Public opinion supports holding social media companies accountable for inciting criminal behavior and countering misinformation.

Cyber-flashing and Online Safety Act in England

Nicholas Hawkes, a convicted sex offender in England, was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison for cyber-flashing under the Online Safety Act. The law makes it an offense to send unsolicited sexual images via social media or technologies like Bluetooth.

First Person Jailed for Cyber-Flashing Offence

Nicholas Hawkes has been jailed for 66 weeks for cyber-flashing, sending unsolicited explicit photos to a 15-year-old and a woman. Cyber flashing refers to sending unsolicited sexual images via social media, dating apps, or text messages. This became an offence in England and Wales on January 31 under the Online Safety Act.