Social media firms face big UK fines if they fail to stop sexist and racist content

Revised online safety bill proposes fines of 10% of revenue but drops harmful communications offence

Social media platforms that breach pledges to block sexist and racist content face the threat of substantial fines under government changes to the online safety bill announced on Monday.

Under the new approach, social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter must also give users the option of avoiding content that is harmful but does not constitute a criminal offence. This could include racism, misogyny or the glorification of eating disorders.