A government watchdog is expected to demand changes in the law meaning social media platforms can be harshly punished and sued if they fail to delete content considered hateful, extremist, or racist.
Critics say the legislation could make internet moguls into a kind of “national censor” and they will “err on the side of caution by removing any content deemed remotely risky” to avoid sanctions.
Theresa May’s independent ethics watchdog, the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL), wants the likes of Facebook and Twitter to be classed as publishers rather than platforms, making them more responsible for the content on their websites, The Timesreports.
The terms “extremism” and “hate” have already been politicised, with UKIP supporters being reported to authorities and counter-terror programs because of their views. Furthermore, UK police consider anything “perceived” as offending someone’s religion or identity as a potential “hate crime.”
A forthcoming CSPL report will not spell out specific sanctions companies should be hit with, but lawyers told The Times legislation could mean prosecution for those that failed to comply with new rules. They could also be sued for not removing content quick enough.