New online safety legislation which includes tougher criminal sanctions for tech bosses will be debated in the commons on Tuesday.

The government is introducing what it describes as a set of “world-first” online safety laws to parliament for a second reading this week.

The long-awaited Online Safety Bill includes new criminal offences for falsifying and destroying data and aims to protect children from harmful content and limit people’s exposure to illegal content.

The government said the legislation will force social media giants like Facebook and Instagram, search engines, and other online platforms that allow people to post their own content to protect children, tackle illegal activity, and uphold their stated terms and conditions.

Under the new rules, Ofcom will have the power to fine companies failing to comply with the laws up to ten per cent of their annual global turnover.

“The time has come to properly protect people online and this week MPs will debate the most important legislation in the internet age,” said digital secretary Nadine Dorries. “Our groundbreaking Online Safety Bill will make the UK the safest place to surf the web.

“It has been significantly strengthened following a lengthy period of engagement with people in politics, wider society and industry.

“We want to arm everyone with the skills to navigate the internet safely, so today we’re also announcing a funding boost and plans for experts to join forces with the government to help people spot dodgy information online.”

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