Websites to be fined over 'online harms' under new UK proposals

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has proposed an independent watchdog that will write a "code of practice" for tech companies. The Online Harms White Paper is a joint proposal from the DCMS and the Home Office. A public consultation on the plans will run for 12 weeks. The paper suggests:

• establishing an independent regulator that can write a "code of practice" for social networks and internet companies
• giving the regulator enforcement powers including the ability to fine companies that break the rules
• considering additional enforcement powers such as the ability to fine company executives and force internet service providers to block sites that break the rules