The legislation aims to establish a framework for online regulation which upholds freedom of expression whilst also making the internet safe from child predators, extremists and other bad actors - a tricky balance for governments and social media companies to strike.
The long-delayed Bill was finally published in draft form last May and proposes significant fines for companies which fail to deal with online abuse as well as possible criminal prosecution for executives.
It will require social media platforms, search engines and other apps and websites allowing people to post their own content to protect children, tackle illegal activity and uphold their stated terms and conditions.
Ofcom will be tasked with enforcing the new rules and imposing fines on firms when required to do so, either up to 10 per cent of annual turnover or £18m (whichever is higher), depending on the offence.
A raft of other new offences have also been added to the Bill to make in...