Internet giants warned they could face new laws over online child abuse

Sajid Javid has warned internet giants they could face new laws unless they step up efforts to tackle child abuse content.

The Home Secretary called on the likes of Facebook, Microsoft, Google and Twitter to spearhead the response in the same way as they have intensified activity to remove terrorist material.

Mr Javid said he wants the technology industry to block child abuse material as soon as it is detected, stop grooming taking place on online platforms and work with authorities to shut down live-streamed offending.

He also urged companies to take a more pro-active approach to helping law enforcement bodies and show a greater willingness to share “best practice” and technology between themselves.

Mr Javid said: “I’ve been impressed by the progress the likes of Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Twitter and Apple have made on counter-terrorism.

“Now I want to see the same level of commitment from these companies and others for child sexual exploitation.

“In recent years, there has been some good work in the area. But the reality is that the threat has evolved quicker than industry’s response and industry has not kept up.

“I am not just asking for change. I am demanding it.

“If technology companies do not take more measures to remove this type of content then I won’t be afraid to take action.

“How far we legislate will be informed by the action and attitude that industry takes.”

While declaring that some companies’ response to the issue has been “nowhere near good enough”, he declined to “name and shame” them, saying he wanted to give firms a chance to respond to his demands.

His call was echoed by Lynne Owens, director general of the National Crime Agency.

She said: “The technology exists for industry to design-out these offences and stop this material from being viewed.

“Some online platforms have taken important steps to improve safety, but we are asking for more.”

Tony Stower, head of child safety online at the NSPCC, said: “It’s right the Home Secretary is laying down the challenge to big tech companies.

“Conversation and encouragement is not enough, the Government must now force social networks to tackle the problem blighting their sites and that means changing the law.”

Mr Javid used a speech in central London to set out the “horrifying” and rising scale of paedophile activity on the internet.

He disclosed that the NCA estimates there are up to 80,000 people in the UK assessed as posing some kind of sexual threat to children online.

The Home Secretary also announced an extra £21.5 million in funding for law enforcement to track down the most dangerous offenders and £2.6 million for prevention work.

Google said it has a zero-tolerance approach to child sexual abuse material and has invested in technology, teams and partnerships to tackle the issue over two decades.

The firm announced that it was making available “cutting-edge” artificial intelligence that can dramatically improve how non-governmental organisations and other technology companies review content “at scale” and protect more children.

A Microsoft spokeswoman said: “Child sexual exploitation is a horrific crime and Microsoft works closely with others in industry, government and civil society to help combat its spread online.

“Predators are constantly evolving their tactics and that is why we work collaboratively with other companies … to create tools that protect children online and help bring perpetrators to justice.”

Twitter said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to child sexual exploitation on our service. We detect and remove violative content using purpose-built, industry-leading technology, and immediately report it to the authorities.

“We are actively engaged with the police, thought leaders, academics, and NGOs to augment our approach and to ensure we’re doing everything in our power to stay one step ahead at all times.”

Facebook said: “The exploitation of children on the internet is a real challenge and one we take very seriously.

“It’s why Facebook works closely with child protection experts, the police and other technology companies to block and remove exploitative photos and videos, as well as to prevent grooming online.

“We agree with the Home Secretary that by continuing to work together in this way, we can make more progress faster.”