The UK government has confirmed that it will introduce a new amendment to the Online Safety Bill, which will make senior managers of tech companies personally liable for online harm. This means that senior executives can be held accountable for failing to protect users from harm on their platforms.
The change was announced by Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries in February 2023, but it has now been confirmed by the government in a statement to parliament.
Under the new amendment, senior managers of tech companies will face personal liability for failing to comply with online safety obligations. This includes failing to remove harmful content or taking adequate steps to prevent online harm.
The change is seen as a major step forward in the fight against online harm, particularly child exploitation and abuse. The government says that it wants to make sure that those responsible for online harm are held accountable, and that this new measure will help to deter companies from prioritizing profits over safety.
However, some experts have raised concerns about the impact of this change on freedom of expression. They argue that the new law could be used to stifle legitimate speech and dissent online, and that it may not be effective in addressing the root causes of online harm.
The Online Safety Bill is currently making its way through parliament, with a series of amendments being proposed by MPs and peers. The government has said that it will work with lawmakers to ensure that the bill is effective in protecting users while also respecting freedom of expression.
The new amendment is expected to come into effect later this year, pending parliamentary approval.
