CONTINUED CONCERNS ONLINE SAFETY BILL WILL FAIL TO DELIVER
MPs and campaigners have continued to raise concerns over the effectiveness of the current provisions of the Online Safety Bill.
Members of the Commons Culture Committee warned that people who send harmful images online may escape sanction under the existing Bill, while the NSPCC has argued that the Bill should include criminal sanctions for social media executives who allow violent and harmful content to be shared across social media platforms unchecked.
“In its current form what should be world-leading, landmark legislation instead represents a missed opportunity,” said Julian Knight MP, chair of the Culture Committee.
“The Online Safety Bill neither protects freedom of expression nor is it clear nor robust enough to tackle illegal and harmful online content.”
The calls come amid data released by Police Scotland showing a 60% rise in child abuse referrals in the past 3 years, with almost 7,500 referrals in Scotland over the 2020/2021 period.
“Tech firms will need to remove illegal content such as child sexual abuse, and if they fail to do so they will be held to account through huge fines, service suspension and their bosses could be held criminally liable,” a government spokesman told the Herald.
FAKE AMAZON MESSAGES BIGGEST SOURCE OF ONLINE SCAMS: WHICH?
Pre-recorded phone calls posing as Amazon customer service messages were the most common type of scams in the UK in 2021, according to a survey by consumer magazine Which?.
The survey, which was conducted between March and November 2021, found that impersonation scams were the most frequent method adopted by scammers.
Other types highlighted by the survey were fake messages about compromised National Insurance numbers and fake Royal Mail delivery messages.
The report comes as Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud, has warned of an increased risk of e-scooter scams online.
Over £145,000 has been stolen through bogus e-scooter websites, according to reports from victims.
E-scooter buyers have been advised to meet with the vendor in-person if they are unsure of the legitimacy of a product listing.
HMRC WARNS OF TAX SCAMMERS
HMRC, the UK’s tax collector, has warned taxpayers to stay alert for scammers ahead of today’s self-assessment tax return deadline.
Calls from scammers posing as HMRC agents fell by 92% in December 2021 compared to March, HMRC data showed. However, some scammers have changed tack by sending phishing emails and texts instead.
HMRC say they have taken a number of steps to crack down on scammers, including liaising with police authorities outside the UK. In June 2021, 51 people were arrested in Delhi, India, at two call centres in which staff were posing as HMRC agents to trick people into transferring funds to pay off their tax bill.
“If someone contacts you saying they are from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal information, be on your guard,” said Mike Fell, HMRC’s Head of Cyber Security Operations.
“Contacts like these should set alarm bells ringing, so take your time and check HMRC scams advice on GOV.UK.”
APPLE RELEASES AIRTAG SAFETY GUIDE
Apple has released a safety guide for users of its AirTag products.
The 56-page guide offers tips on how to protect personal data and stay safe while using the products.
The new guide comes amid concerns raised by some female AirTag owners that the devices were being used for stalking.
As Gooseberry Planet reported in last week’s newsletter, a number of women spoke to the BBC after having discovered AirTag devices in their cars and handbags that did not belong to them.
“This resource is designed to help customers experiencing technology-enabled abuse, stalking, or harassment understand the options available across the Apple ecosystem that can help you protect your personal safety,” Apple say in their new guide.
“If you’re concerned someone who had access to your device or accounts made changes without your permission—this guide offers strategies and solutions to help you regain control.”
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