Facebook, Instagram could be banned in the UK for hosting terrorist content

Search engines alongside online messaging services and file hosting sites will also come under the remit of a new regulator

Technology firms including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter face “substantial” fines or a UK ban under a new law if they don’t act swiftly enough to remove content that encourages terrorism and child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The companies’ directors could also be held personally liable if illegal content is not taken down within a short and pre-determined time-frame, the Home Office said. The exact level of fines will be examined during a 12 week consultation following the legislation’s launch on Monday. The spread of fake news and interference in elections will also be tackled.

The need for a new law