The United Kingdom may fine technology companies with 10% of its global turnover

London, 17 Mar The British Parliament published on Thursday the first version of the future digital security law, with which the United Kingdom will increase the responsibility of large internet platforms for their content and which foresees fines of up to 10% of companies' global turnover. The legislation, which now begins processing in the House of Commons and House of Lords, will require social media, search engines and other widely used applications to filter their content to protect minors, prevent illegal activity and prevent fraudulent advertising. It also provides for “robust checks” of the age limit of 18 years on pages with pornographic content, as well as measures to prevent “abuse” by anonymous persons on social networks. “Cyberflashing”, or sending obscene images to strangers, will become a crime in England and Wales, while punishments against threats made over the internet will be toughened. The law also provides for prison sentences for managers who do not collaborate in investigations initiated by the British telecommunications regulator (Ofcom). “The Internet has transformed our lives for the better. It has connected and empowered us. But, on the other hand, technology firms have not been held responsible when damage, abuse and criminal behavior have occurred through their platforms,” the Minister of Digital Affairs, Culture, Media and Sports, Nadine Dorries, said in a statement. “If we don't act, we risk sacrificing the well-being and innocence of countless generations of children, exposed to the power of uncontrolled algorithms,” the minister added. CHIEF gx/psh