UK Regulator Demands Video Platforms Do More to Protect Users

Online video sharing platforms (VSPs), reminiscent of TikTok, Snapchat and OnlyFans, want to offer clear guidelines on content material, permit customers to flag dangerous movies, and limit entry to pornographic materials, Britain’s media regulator Ofcom mentioned.

Under legal guidelines that got here into impact in Britain final 12 months, VSPs should take applicable steps to guard all of their customers from unlawful materials, with a specific concentrate on underneath 18s.

Ofcom, which is chargeable for imposing the foundations, revealed steerage for VSPs on Wednesday, saying it needed to see noticeable enhancements over time in security processes and grievance procedures.

Chief Executive Melanie Dawes mentioned on-line video performed an enormous function in folks’s lives, significantly for youngsters, however many customers noticed hateful, violent or inappropriate materials whereas utilizing them.

“The platforms where these videos are shared now have a legal duty to take steps to protect their users,” she mentioned.

“So we’re stepping up our oversight of these tech companies, while also gearing up for the task of tackling a much wider range of online harms in the future.”

Ofcom mentioned its analysis confirmed {that a} third of customers mentioned they’d witnessed or skilled hateful content material; 1 / 4 claimed they’d been uncovered to violent or disturbing content material; whereas one in 5 had seen content material that inspired racism.

The regulator’s remit covers platforms established in Britain, numbering 18 initially. Platforms established in different nations, reminiscent of YouTube and Facebook, are excluded.

If it finds a VSP had didn’t take applicable measures to guard customers, will probably be capable of examine and take motion, together with fines or — in probably the most severe instances — suspending or limiting the service.

© Thomson Reuters 202