Video sharing apps like Snapchat and TikTok must take steps to protect their users from harmful material or face fines under new rules issued by UK telecoms regulatory Ofcom.
The new video-sharing platform (VSP) regulations announced by Ofcom set out measures to protect users under 18 from potentially harmful material and all users from hate speech and incitement to violence and from content constituting criminal offences such as terrorism, child sex abuse and racism.
Ofcom said its research showed that a third of users have witnessed or experienced hateful content, while a quarter claim they have been exposed to violent or disturbing content. One in five have been exposed to racist content.
The regulator said it has started discussing with platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Vimeo and Twitch what their responsibilities are and what they are doing to comply with them.
Although Ofcom will not assess individual videos, the new rules give it powers to collect information from providers about what they are doing to tackle user safety.
VSPs found to have breached their obligations to protect users could be fined up to 5% of turnover or £250,000, whichever is bigger.
In the most serious cases, their service could be suspended or restricted in the UK.
Ofcom said over the next 12 months it will focus on ensuring that VSPs’ processes for reporting harmful content are effective.
It will also prioritise tackling online hate and terror, ensuring an age-appropriate experience on platforms popular with under-18s and laying the foundations for age verification on adult sites.
“Online videos play a huge role in our lives now, particularly for children.
But many people see hateful, violent or inappropriate material while using them,” said Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive.
“The platforms where these videos are shared now have a legal duty to take steps to protect their users.
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.”