Google, Facebook, Other Social Media Companies May Be Prosecuted For Hosting Extremist Content, Report Says

Google, Facebook and several other tech companies have been facing a major backlash from advertisers globally for placing their online adverts next to extremist material. And now, in an exclusive report, the Telegraph has reported that these companies may be prosecuted in Britain if they fail to monitor content being posted online.

According to the report, British ministers are looking into passing a law that would allow prosecution of several social media sites, including the Google-owned YouTube among others, if they fail to curb the circulation of extremist content.

The Telegraph said that British Prime Minister Theresa May has expressed her displeasure at these internet companies for publishing extremist content. The report quoted her saying that “the ball is in their court” over taking action.

“We want to see them take on their responsibility. The problem with the law is in itself we can do what we can but these are global companies,” the Telegraph quoted a source as saying.

The report quoted the prime minister’s official spokesman, who said: “The fight against terrorism and hate speech has to be a joint one. The government and security services are doing everything they can and it is clear that social media companies can and must do more.

"Social media companies have a responsibility when it comes to making sure this material is not disseminated and we have been clear repeatedly that we think that they can and must do more. We are always talking with them on how to achieve that”

Joanna Shields, a former Facebook executive, is holding the talks with the tech companies on behalf of the Home Office.

The report comes even as Google’s European chief publicly apologized after the ad fiasco. However, due to lack of clarity on whether the company would take strict actions and keep a vigil on the content posted via its platforms, British ministers see this as a matter of grave concern.

Last week, the U.K. government removed its advertisements from YouTube after concerns over the ads appearing next to “inappropriate material,” including videos with extremist views, BBC News, which was also affected, had reported.

Read: UK Government Pulls YouTube Ads Over Offensive Content

On Thursday, following suit, several big U.S. firms – Verizon, AT&T, Johnson & Johnson, and Guardian — also pulled their ads off these websites citing similar reasons.