Theresa May's recent political uncertainty makes Europe's famously dysfunctional leadership look enviable | Pool photo by Justin Tallis/Getty Images | Pool photo by Justin Tallis/Getty Images
Theresa May’s Conservatives threaten social media crackdown if elected
Germany introduced a similar draft law that threatens fines of up to €50 million for violations.
If Theresa May and the Conservative Party retain control of the government in the June 8 U.K. elections, they vow to beef up online protections for U.K. citizens, threatening fines against social media companies who fail to safeguard their users.
They want to introduce a new measure that could fine or punish internet firms which fail to adequately flag and take down content harmful to minors or “direct users unintentionally to hate speech, pornography or other sources of harm,” according to a press release.
“The internet has brought a wealth of opportunity but also significant new risks which have evolved faster than society’s response to them,” May said. “We want social media companies to do more to help redress the balance and will take action to make sure they do.”
Germany introduced a similar draft law that threatens fines of up to €50 million against the likes of Facebook and Twitter if they fail to take down hate speech or fake news quickly enough. It is under review by the European Commission. Digital Vice President Andrus Ansip already expressed his dislike for the new law.
EU experts indicate it could contradict the 2000 e-Commerce Directive by forcing internet companies to actively monitor the content posted on their sites.
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The Conservative digital platform also promises to better protect Brits’ personal information, compelling social media companies to trash user records from before the age of 18. The party plans to encourage the development of digital by default government and business services, as well.