Ministers compromise on jail for rogue social media bosses to avoid Tory revolt

Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said the Government’s proposals would cover social media managers who ‘consented or connived’ in ignoring rules.

A compromise plan put forward by Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan would hold social media bosses accountable ‘in a way which is effective and targeted towards child safety’ (Kirsty O’Connor/PA) (PA Wire)

Social media bosses who ignore or deliberately flout rules aimed at protecting children could face jail under plans drawn up as Rishi Sunak bowed to pressure from rebel Tories.

The Prime Minister was facing a major backbench rebellion as 50 MPs put their names to an amendment to the Online Safety Bill which would make tech chiefs criminally liable if they do not block minors from seeing damaging content on their platforms.

The compromise plan put forward by Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan would hold bosses accountable “in a way which is effective and targeted towards child safety”.