Ofcom set to have more powers to regulate social media over the UK

Ofcom the broadcasting watchdog will be given new powers to conduct social media companies and act over harmful content the government has said.

Until now, firms like Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube, Snapchat and Twitter used to self- regulate themselves over harmful content however critics say independent rules are required to protect users.

It is unclear what punishments or fines the regulator will be able to handle out, but the new rules will be focused on ensuring the firms protect people from harmful, illegal terrorist and child abuse content.

Concerns about the impact of social media content on vulnerable people have been seen to raise after the multiple suicides such as that of 14- year-old- schoolgirl Molly Russel in 2017 after accessing distressing social media content.