UK proposes a law to allow imprisonment for deceitful technology leaders-Information Technology

Under the new bill, the leaders of corporations such as Meta, Google and Twitter could be jailed if they break the rules and do not cooperate with the UK internet regulator Ofcom.

On March 16, the UK Government announced that under the Cybersecurity Bill, leaders of technology companies can be prosecuted or even jailed just 2 months after the bill is passed instead of 2 years. as the previous draft. This bill will be submitted to the British Parliament for consideration and discussion on March 17 and may officially become law in 2022.

The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DDCMS) has agreed to include 66 recommendations to this bill proposed by a joint committee by 2021. Accordingly, the social networking service, Search engines and other platforms will be held accountable for protecting children, addressing unauthorized activities, and banning content such as extreme pornography and the promotion of self-injury.

Also under the new version of the bill, senior managers at technology companies will be criminally responsible for destroying evidence, failing to conduct interviews or providing false information during interviews. with the governing body Internet Mr. Ofcom, and obstructing Ofcom’s operations at the company’s office.

In addition to the ability to imprison senior management of technology companies, Ofcom also has the power to fine these companies 10% of their annual global revenue if they do not comply with the law.

UK Minister for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries. Photo: Reuters/Tom Nicholson.

DDCMS Minister Nadine Dorries stated: “Tech companies are not yet held fully accountable when malicious content and criminal behavior persist widely on the platforms they govern… If we don’t act. , we will let the happiness and innocence of generations of children depend on the unchecked power of algorithms.”

Meta, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok have all come under fire for allowing malicious content to exist and be shared on their platforms. These companies have repeatedly said they are doing their best to deal with this situation, but lawmakers in both Europe and the US remain skeptical and want more regulatory measures. social networks.