TikTok, Snapchat and OnlyFans face tough new Ofcom rules in crackdown | Evening Standard

Video sharing apps like Snapchat, TikTok and OnlyFans could face fines worth millions of pounds if they fail to crackdown on hate speech and inappropriate content on their platforms under tough new rules introduced by Ofcom.Britain’s broadcasting regulator today introduced rules governing UK-based video sharing platforms in a European first. Companies must now legally crackdown on things like hate speech and child pornography on their apps, ensure underage kids aren’t able to sign up and ensure users can report inappropriate content.“Online videos play a huge role in our lives now, particularly for children,” said Dame Melanie Dawes. “But many people see hateful, violent or inappropriate material while using them.“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.”The crackdown follows growing concern about the content on some of these platforms, including inappropriate and underage sexual content and radicalising hate speech. Ofcom research found a third of users have come across hateful content on video sharing platforms, a quarter have come across violent…
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