Source · Select Committees · Petitions Committee
Recommendation 25
25
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 98
Social media platforms must have robust methods in place to trace users posting content that...
Recommendation
Social media platforms must have robust methods in place to trace users posting content that violates the platform’s terms of service, and must effectively enforce their own sanctions against such users. We recommend that, as part of the new online safety regulatory framework, social media platforms should be required to demonstrate to Ofcom that they can identify previously banned users seeking to create new accounts and, where a platform’s rules prohibit these users from returning to the platform, that the platform is adequately enforcing these rules. Ofcom should have the power to issue fines or take other enforcement action if a platform is unable to demonstrate this.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the recommendation and states it will continue to keep it under consideration. They note the Online Safety Bill requires companies to assess risks, including those from anonymity, and that Ofcom’s codes of practice could include steps for identity verification and addressing repeat offenders, with robust enforcement powers.
Paragraph Reference:
98
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Government response We thank the Committee for this recommendation and will continue to keep it under consideration. The Online Safety Bill will require companies that are likely to be accessed by children to assess the risks to children from harmful content and activity on their service, including anonymous abuse, and provide safety measures. Category 1 services will also be required to identify, mitigate and effectively manage the risks associated with online anonymity which does not cross the criminal threshold, where this affects adults. In its codes of practice, Ofcom will also set out the steps services can take to mitigate risks to users’ safety from harmful content, including those arising from anonymous profiles. This could include steps services could take to ensure the appropriate use of identity verification before lifting bans on suspicious accounts and taking action against repeat offenders. Where services do not comply with their duties, Ofcom can take robust enforcement action, including imposing substantial fines.