Children's charities have welcomed plans which will see sites that host harmful content face penalties
Internet sites could face hefty fines if they don’t tackle online harms.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has proposed an independent watchdog that will write a code of practice for tech companies.
The measures are aimed at tackling a number of issues that put the vulnerable at risk online, including inciting violence and violent content, encouraging suicide, disinformation, cyber bullying and children accessing inappropriate material.
There will be stringent requirements for companies to take even tougher action to ensure they tackle terrorist and child sexual exploitation and abuse content.
Outlining the proposals, Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said: "The era of self-regulation for online companies is over.
"Voluntary actions from industry to tackle online harms have not been applied consistently or gone far enough."
Children’s charities that have been campaigning for regulation of social media sites to help protect young people have welcomed the plans.
Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan said children in the UK are facing growing risks online - from cyber-bullying to sexual grooming to gaming addiction.
“The internet can be a force for good but we can’t ignore the risks,” he said. “Two thirds of the vulnerable children and young people supported through our sexual exploitation services were groomed online before meeting their abuser in person.
“Barnardo’s has long called for new laws to protect children online, just as we do offline, so they can learn, play and communicate safely.
“The government’s announcement today is an important step in the right direction. We particularly welcome proposals for a new independent regulator, which should ensure internet bosses make the UK one of the safest places in the world for children to be online.
“It’s only right that tech companies are penalised if they fail to keep children safe and protect them from harmful and illegal content that leads to sexual abuse and child criminal exploitation.”
NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: “This is a hugely significant commitment by the government that once enacted, can make the UK a world pioneer in protecting children online.
“For too long social networks have failed to prioritise children’s safety and left them exposed to grooming, abuse, and harmful content. So it’s high time they were forced to act through this legally binding duty to protect children, backed up with hefty punishments if they fail to do so.
“We are pleased that the government has listened to the NSPCC’s detailed proposals and we are grateful to all those who supported our campaign.”
