Government ‘rows back’ on PM’s pledge to sanction tech bosses

Boris Johnson appeared to back idea at PMQs but sources say online harms bill may not include it

Government sources have rowed back on Boris Johnson's apparent commitment to criminal sanctions for tech company bosses who fail to tackle harmful or illegal content.

However, the Guardian understands that the new culture secretary, Nadine Dorries, who has first-hand experience of online abuse, is minded to take a tougher approach on sanctions than her predecessor Oliver Dowden, though she is still taking advice.