Despite the growing market share of domestic automakers, Teslas remain among the best-selling EVs in the Asian country
Britain said on Tuesday it would force Google, Facebook, Twitter and other online platforms to prevent paid-for fraudulent adverts after calls from regulators and consumer groups for a stronger crackdown on scams.
The government said its draft law on preventing online harms would include the requirement for large platforms to improve protection from criminals impersonating celebrities or companies to steal personal data, peddle unsafe financial investments or break into bank accounts.
Communications regulator Ofcom will check if platforms have put in place systems to prevent and remove fake adverts. The watchdog could block services or issue a fine of up to 18 million pounds ($24 million) or 10% of annual turnover, the government said.
“These changes to the upcoming Online Safety bill will help stop fraudsters conning people out of their hard-earned cash using fake online adverts,” Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said in a statement.
Online scams from advertisements on Google, Facebook, Twitter and other social media mushroomed as more people went online during lockdowns to fight Covid-19.
A British record of 754 million pounds was stolen in the first six months of 2021 in banking scams, up by almost a third from the same period in 2020, according to data from UK Finance, a banking industry body.
In response to pressure from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), some online services are limiting adverts for financial products to companies regulated by the FCA, which has called for stronger powers.
“This could make a huge difference to stemming the tide of fake and fraudulent ads on social media and search engines which cause devastating financial and emotional harm to innocent victims,” said Anabel Hoult, chief executive of consumer campaign group Which?
ALSO READ:
The government said it was also launching a public consultation on tightening rules for the online advertising industry, either by strengthening the current self-regulation approach, or by creating a new watchdog.
Harmful or misleading adverts, such as those promoting negative body images, and adverts for illegal activities such as weapons sales could face tougher rules and sanctions, it said.
Influencers failing to declare they are being paid to promote products on social media could also be subject to stronger penalties, the government said.
Despite the growing market share of domestic automakers, Teslas remain among the best-selling EVs in the Asian country
The entire plan will see cow-breeding and poultry projects come up near the massive wheat farm and the dairy farm will form the third phase
Modi, 73, remains resoundingly popular after a decade in office, and he is widely expected to win a third term
With over seven years of experience in branding and social media, and three years in motion graphics and editing, Arkan's expertise spans a wide range of creative domains
Names of leading brands in various sectors revealed in a new report by Brand Finance
Four workers died when the drone struck a condensate storage tank at Khor Mor Complex, Dana Gas said in a statement to the ADX
Experience the future of comfort and convenience with innovative smart furniture, elevating your lifestyle through seamless integration of technology and design
The device is equipped solely with an AI-powered personal assistant tasked with carrying out a multitude of practical tasks