Big tech must deal with scam ads under Ofcom proposals
Summary
The UK regulator Ofcom has proposed new rules requiring big tech platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to take stronger actions against scam advertisements. If these rules become law, companies that fail to comply could face large fines to protect users from fraudulent ads online.Key Facts
- Ofcom wants major platforms to stop scam ads and ban users who post or impersonate scams.
- More than half of UK adults have seen potentially fraudulent ads online, with over a third seeing them frequently.
- Non-compliant companies could be fined £18 million or 10% of their global turnover.
- Platforms must remove scam ads quickly and reduce how long they remain visible.
- Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Quora, Reddit, Roblox, Snapchat, TikTok, WhatsApp, X, and YouTube are on Ofcom’s list of services facing the toughest rules.
- Ofcom is consulting on these proposals until 2 October before finalizing any new rules.
- The Online Safety Act (OSA) governs these new responsibilities and categorizes platforms based on their size and impact.
- Consumer groups welcome the move but want faster action due to increasing AI-generated scam risks.
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