UK unveils law to fine social media firms which fail to remove online abuse

FILE PHOTO: A person wearing a protective mask looks at a mobile phone, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Manchester, Britain October 20, 2020. REUTERS/Phil Noble

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain said on Wednesday a planned new law would see social media companies fined up to 10% of turnover or 18 million pounds ($25 million) if they failed to stamp out online abuses such as racist hate crimes, while senior managers could also face criminal action.

The Online Safety Bill also seeks to strengthen the right to freedom of expression, and ensure democratic political debate and journalistic content is protected, the government said.