Yes, I know. Fines. But these are just a routine cost of doing business for these huge firms. Are governments ready to hold big tech responsible for the harms they facilitate?
12 November 2024 (London, UK) — The ability of the Internet to connect us to one another can be a beautiful thing.
On the flip side, however, are growing problems like this one. The UK’s Independent tells us, “Online Grooming Crimes Reach Record Levels, NSPCC Says.” UK police recorded over 7,000 offenses in that country over the past year, a troubling new high. We learn:
“The children’s charity said the figures, provided by 45 UK police forces, showed that 7,062 sexual communication with a child offences were recorded in 2023-24, a rise of 89% since 2017-18, when the offence first came into force. Where the means of communication was disclosed – which was 1,824 cases – social media platforms were often used, with Snapchat named in 48% of those cases. Meta-owned platforms were also found to be popular with offenders, with WhatsApp named in 12% of those cases, Facebook and Messenger in 12% and Instagram in 6%. In response to the figures, the NSPCC has urged online regulator Ofcom to strengthen the Online Safety Act. It said there is currently too much focus on acting after harm has taken place, rather than being proactive to ensure the design of social media platforms does not contribute to abuse.”
Well, yes, that would be ideal. Specifically, the NSPCC states, regulations around private messaging must be strengthened. UK Minister Jess Phillips emphasizes:
“Social media companies have a responsibility to stop this vile abuse from happening on their platforms. Under the Online Safety Act they will have to stop this kind of illegal content being shared on their sites, including on private and encrypted messaging services, or face significant fines.”
Those fines would have to be significant indeed. Much larger than any levied so far, which are but a routine cost of doing business for these huge firms.
In the past we have noted a few reasons to hope for change. We saw:
– the arrest of the founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov
– TikTok will stand trial for the harms to children caused by its “algorithm”
– Brazil is trying to put up “barbed wire” to keep Twitter (now X.com) under control
My thought – my hope – is that governments are taking action after decades of thinking about more weighty matters than the safety of children, the problems social media causes for parents and teachers, and the importance of taking immediate and direct action against those breaking laws.
But several questions pop into mind:
– How quickly will the UK (and other countries) really focus on this and halt these free range technology outfits?
– Why have legal authorities and legislators in many countries failed to recognize the issues radiating from social media and related technology operators? Was it the novelty of technology? Was it a lack of technology savvy? Was it moral or financial considerations?
– How will these harms really be remediated? Is it enough to block a service or change penalties for certain companies?
I am personally not moved by those who say “speech must be free and unfettered!!”
Sorry. Bullshit. The obvious harms outweigh that self-serving statement from those who are mesmerized by online or paid to have that idea and promote it.
I do understand that a percentage of students will become high achievers with or without traditional reading, writing, and arithmetic. However, my concern is the other 95 percent of students. Structured learning is necessary for a society to function. That’s why there is education.
No, I don’t have any big ideas about ameliorating the obvious damage done by social media. I am now approaching middle-age (in my late 40s) and I am largely untouched by TikTok-type videos or Facebook-type pressures.
I would, however, be delighted to see some of these wild west digital cowboys end up in jail.
So, UK: are you one government ready to hold big tech responsible for the harms they facilitate?
