The UK government is launching a new offensive against online abuse, specifically targeting social media platforms for allowing harmful content to proliferate. This follows a string of accusations against tech mogul Elon Musk and other social media giants, amid growing concerns about online abuse. The government's approach focuses on bolstering existing laws and regulations to hold online platforms accountable.
A key component of the strategy is a new crackdown on the creation and dissemination of explicit deepfakes. This move introduces a new criminal offense aimed at both producers and sharers of such content, recognizing the devastating impact on victims, particularly women and girls. Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones highlighted the "hyper-realistic" nature of these images, emphasizing the difficulty in distinguishing fact from fabrication, and the ongoing harm caused.
The government is leveraging Ofcom's regulatory powers to compel tech platforms to remove illegal content. Ofcom possesses the authority to impose substantial fines, up to £18 million or 10% of a platform's annual revenue, depending on the severity of the transgression. Furthermore, the Online Safety Act provides criminal sanctions, empowering Ofcom to hold tech companies accountable for failing to comply with safety standards.
This initiative comes amidst ongoing criticism of the government's response to grooming gang scandals. Elon Musk's recent social media attacks on government figures, including accusations of complicity and downplaying the severity of the issue, highlight the government's determination to address this crucial issue. A recent incident, involving a charge against a man for sending malicious communications, underscores the pervasiveness of the problem and the need for robust legal action.
Davies-Jones rejected Musk's calls for another national inquiry, citing the already concluded and costly Independent Inquiry into Child Sex Abuse (IICSA), led by Professor Alexis Jay. She stressed the importance of implementing the IICSA recommendations, rather than undertaking further investigations. The Minister further emphasized the responsibility of all platforms in addressing violence against women and girls.
In conclusion, the government is determined to create a safer online environment by holding tech platforms accountable for harmful content and ensuring justice for victims.
