The Prime Minister is set to announce plans for new legislation in a move that reflects concerns that people’s career prospects are being damaged by posts they put up as teens. The new rules will also mean that social media companies will face significant fines if they fail to stop people from ‘unintentionally’ coming across pornography, hate speeches and other harmful material and be legally obliged to take down ‘inappropriate, bullying, harmful or illegal content’ that is flagged to them by users or fines. 

Impact entire social media industry

The new powers set to have a significant impact on the entire social media industry could see players hit with multi-million-pound fines responsibilities to protect users are not carried out. It comes after criticism of Facebook, Youtube and other social media websites for hosting videos of hate clerics and even child abuse online.

'Significant new risks'

The Prime Minister explained: ‘The internet has brought a wealth of opportunity but also significant new risks which have evolved faster than society’s response to them. We want social media companies to do more to help redress the balance and will take action to make sure they do. “These measures will help make Britain the best place in the world to start and run a digital business, and the safest place in the world for people to be online.’

Damaging employment opportunities

The report comes after it emerged that employers are increasingly using social media websites to screen job applicants. According to one survey of human resources professionals, a third of employers have rejected job applicants after checking their social media profiles.

New law means actions required

Under a new data protection act, social media users will be entitled to delete their entire profiles from before the age of 18. New laws will also require social media companies to respond when users flag potentially inappropriate content.  They will have a new duty to either take down offensive material or explain why they are keeping it online.