This is the Way the World Ends
Not with a bang but a whimper. The death of free speech is a long, drawn out affair but the end is certain and we will all be its mourners. The whole bill is offensive but I’ve marked one sweeping provision that is particularly foul.
Online Harms Bill: Firms Face up to £18m Fine for Illegal Content
From the Guardian
Social media companies will need to remove and limit the spread of harmful content or face fines of up to £18m, the government has announced, as it finally reveals the details of its proposed internet regulation.
The online harms bill, first proposed by Theresa May’s government in April 2019, sets out strict new guidelines governing removal of illegal content such as child sexual abuse, terrorist material and media that promotes suicide, which sites must obey or face being blocked in the UK.
It also requires platforms to abide by a new code of conduct that sets out their responsibilities towards children. The bill requires the most popular sites to set their own terms and conditions, and face fines if they fail to stick to them.
“For the first time, online misinformation will come under the remit of a government regulator, in cases when content is legal but could cause significant physical or psychological harm to adults.”
Ed. note: Article continues . . . .]
