Watchdog cracks down on tech firms that fail to protect children

Sites must assess content for sexual abuse and suicide risk or face fines of up to 17m

Technology companies will be required to assess their sites for sexual abuse risks, prevent self-harm and pro-suicide content, and block children from broadcasting their location, after the publication of new rules for "age-appropriate design" in the sector.

The UK Information Commissioner's Office, which was tasked with creating regulations to protect children online, will enforce the new rules from autumn 2021, after one-year transition period. After which companies that break the law can face sanctions comparable to those under GDPR, including fines of up to 17m or 4% of global turnover.