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

SOURCE www.yahoo.com
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.

Key Points

  • Proposed changes to the Online Safety Act to regulate social media companies
  • Public opinion supports holding social media companies accountable for inciting criminal behavior and countering misinformation
  • Racist rioting driven by false information online prompted the consideration of changes

Pros

  • Allows government to fine social media companies for breaches
  • Addresses concerns over 'legal but harmful' content like misinformation
  • Support from public opinion for holding social media companies accountable

Cons

  • Balancing free speech with concerns over online harms
  • Potential challenges in defining 'legal but harmful' content