OFCOM has been ordered by the Tech Secretary to police “inclusivity” on the internet.
Peter Kyle is setting out five priorities for the regulator when it shortly gets new powers to sanction online platforms.
He has also launched a government study into the health impact of social media and smartphones on kids ahead of a possible crackdown.
Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom will be able to fine firms up to £18million for failing to remove harmful content from their sites.
Setting out his remit to the regulator, he said he wanted them to prioritise “inclusivity and resilience”.
It tasks them with creating “an inclusive, informed and vibrant digital world which is resilient to potential harms, including disinformation.”
It is understood Mr Kyle is referring to stamping out illegal hate speech and ensuring everyone – especially older people – can navigate the internet easily.
However last night fears were raised the wording could give Ofcom licence to look at controversial posts.
Toby Young of the Free Speech Union said:“If Ofcom is to retain any credibility as an impartial regulator, it has to remain above the political fray.
“Unfortunately, these measures make it sound like it’s siding with the woke Left in the culture war.”
Mr Kyle is also prioritising safety to protect kids, transparency, an agile approach to regulation and creating innovation.
He said: “Keeping children safe online is a priority for this government.
“That is why today I will be the first secretary of state to exercise the power to set out my strategic priorities.
“From baking safety into social media sites from the outset, to increasing platform transparency, these priorities will allow us to monitor progress, collate evidence, innovate, and act where laws are coming up short.”
