MPs are calling for stricter legislation around online trolling, saying anyone who is caught bullying others online should be banned from social media sites or other websites.
Labour MP John Mann, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group against Antisemitism told the House of Commons: "If we can ban people from going to a certain pub or certain football match...then the same should be done to specific parts of social media or, if necessary, to the internet as a whole."
A report published yesterday by the group further explained: "If it can be proven in a detailed way that someone has made a considered and determined view to exploit various online networks to harm and perpetrate hate crimes against others then the accepted principles, rules and restrictions that are relevant to sex offences must surely apply."
According to the All-Party Parliamentary Group, antisemitic racism is twice as common now as it was in the 1900s. The group also found that social media platforms were increasingly being used to spread of anti-semitism, referring to Nazi-themed statements and imagery on such sites last year.
However, Justice Minister Shailesh Vara explained to the House the coalition government is "working and engaging with social media platforms, with the police and with other stakeholders with a view to try and improve the position".
Mann suggested MPs should be able to contact a high-level police officer immediately should they uncover abuse or harassment of people online by others.
Other options the government has put forward for dealing with online trolls include handing out two-year jail sentences, with the legislation currently going through the House of Lords.
-
Global cybersecurity spending is set to rise 12% in 2025 – here are the industries ramping up investmentNews Global cybersecurity spending is expected to surge this year, fueled by escalating state-sponsored threats and the rise of generative AI, according to new analysis from IDC.
-
Google Cloud is leaning on all its strengths to support enterprise AIAnalysis Google Cloud made a big statement at its annual conference last week, staking its claim as the go-to provider for enterprise AI adoption.
-
Starmer bets big on AI to unlock public sector savingsNews AI adoption could be a major boon for the UK and save taxpayers billions, according to prime minister Keir Starmer.
-
UK government targets ‘startup’ mindset in AI funding overhaulNews Public sector AI funding will be overhauled in the UK in a bid to simplify processes and push more projects into development.
-
UK government signs up Anthropic to improve public servicesNews The UK government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Anthropic to explore how the company's Claude AI assistant could be used to improve access to public services.
-
The UK’s AI ambitions face one major hurdle – finding enough home-grown talentNews Research shows UK enterprises are struggling to fill AI roles, raising concerns over the country's ability to meet expectations in the global AI race.
-
US government urged to overhaul outdated technologyNews A review from the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) has found legacy technology and outdated IT systems are negatively impacting efficiency.
-
Government urged to improve tech procurement practicesNews The National Audit Office highlighted wasted money and a lack of progress on major digital transformation programmes
-
Government says new data bill will free up millions of hours of public sector timeNews The UK government is proposing new data laws it says could free up millions of hours of police and NHS time every year and boost the UK economy by £10 billion.
-
Online Safety Act slammed by rights groups as bill gains royal assentNews The Online Safety Act has been described as a veiled attempt to secure access to encrypted messages
