Websites face fines over 'online harms' in UK govt proposals

Under a new British government proposal, internet sites could be fined or blocked if they fail to tackle "online harms" such as terrorist propaganda and child abuse. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has proposed an independent watchdog that will write a "code of practice" for tech companies. Under the proposal, senior managers could be held liable for breaches, with a possible levy on the industry to fund the regulator. Outlining the proposals, Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said the "era of self-regulation for online companies is over".