Theresa May tells tech companies they must 'go further' on blocking extremist content
2 min read
Social media companies must step up their efforts to remove extremist content online, Theresa May will say today.
In a major speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Prime Minister will say that while “some progress” has been made, big tech companies need to do more.
She will also call on investors in tech giants to use their influence to get firms to take stronger action.
Mrs May and French president Emmanuel Macron have already threatened to fine companies who do not deal with extremist content.
“Technology companies still need to go further in stepping up to their responsibilities for dealing with harmful and illegal online activity,” Mrs May will say.
“These companies simply cannot stand by while their platforms are used to facilitate child abuse, modern slavery or the spreading of terrorist and extremist content."
As well as addressing big names such as Facebook and Twitter, she will also urge newer sites to make sure they do not become the destination of choice for extremists.
“Just as these big companies need to step up, so we also need cross-industry responses because smaller platforms can quickly become home to criminals and terrorists.
“We have seen that happen with Telegram. And we need to see more co-operation from smaller platforms like this. No-one wants to be known as “the terrorists’ platform” or the first choice app for paedophiles.”
It echoes previous comments from Home Secretary Amber Rudd that companies have a “moral responsibility” to check how their platforms are being used.
The Government has already set out its intention to make streaming terrorist content online a criminal offence.
Those found guilty of repeatedly viewing terrorist material could face up to 15 years in jail - up from the previous maximum sentence of ten years.
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