CONTEXT:

• The UK government introduced the world’s first framework designed to hold internet companies accountable for the safety of those using their services.
• The Online Harms whitepaper is a joint proposal from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Home Office.
• Various technology companies will be subject to the laws, including social media platforms.

BACKGROUND

• Sensitive information such as personal information and identity, passwords are often associated with personal property (for example, bank accounts) and privacy and may present security concerns if leaked.
• Unauthorized access and usage of private information may result in consequence such as identity theft, as well as theft of property.

Accountability software

• Accountability software, or Internet accountability software, is software which monitors and reports Internet usage, in order to incentivize the avoidance of any content deemed objectionable.
• Accountability software may monitor Internet use on a personal computer, or Internet use by a specific user on a computer.
• These software applications then generate reports of Internet use viewable by a third party, sometimes called an accountability partner.
• It sometimes also doubles as content-control software.