Social Media Firms Could Face Fines Worth Billions

Social Media companies will, in future, be subject to billions of pounds worth of fines if they are found to target children with what have been described as "addictive features". The newly created, legally enforced, code has been unveiled this month. 

 

The data watchdog, Elizabeth Denham, has ruled that firms should not use "sticky" features which have been described as "notifications, continuous scrolling, auto-play or reward loops" in order to  encourage children to stay online.

 

Although Elizabeth acknowledged there was no official evidence to prove it damages children's health and wellbeing she referenced the UK's chief medical officers and stated hat tech companies should adopt a "precautionary approach."

 

Ms Denham has let the Social Media companies know that, "Until such time as a formal position is adopted, you should therefore not use personal data to support these types of mechanisms and strategies."

 

To understand the gaming process the Government has suggested introducing pause buttons to allow children to take a break without losing their progress in an online game. Additionally warnings will be introduced to remind individuals to take time out.

 

The information commissioner, under the Data Protection Act 2018, will police matters and uphold the rules of the code which gives her the power to fine firms upto 4 per cent of their global turnover .

 

In the case of Facebook that equates £1.65  billion turnover whilst Google currently generates £3.4  billion.

 

From December an "age appropriate design" code will be introduced which will also require firms to either introduce strict age checks or assume all users are children.

 

Additionally firms will be expected to provide a "child appropriate" service to all users. Using Geolocation as a tool to provide additional targeted services will also be "switched off".

 

Mandy Peters Solicitors 

Lewisham