PM steps up plans to tackle terrorists' communications online

Theresa May set to begin discussions with French president and hints penalty system could be implemented if tech firms don't do enough to keep terrorists offline

Theresa May has ramped up her assault on tech firms in the wake of multiple terror attacks in the UK, claiming that a fine system could be implemented to stop internet service providers giving terrorists "a safe space" online.

In a speech delivered one day after the terror attack at London Bridge, the prime minister singled out tech firms for not doing enough to stop terrorists communicating online - prompting defensive responses from the likes of Google and Microsoft.

May and her Cabinet have frequently expressed their annoyance at the amount of encryption used by social media and messaging providers such as WhatsApp and Facebook.

Now, ahead of a trip to Paris to meet French president Emmanuel Macron, May suggested that the British and French could work together to fine such companies if it is deemed they have not done enough to prevent terrorists communicating.

"The counter-terrorism co-operation between British and French intelligence agencies is already strong, but president Macron and I agree that more should be done to tackle the terrorist threat online," May said.

"In the UK we are already working with social media companies to halt the spread of extremist material and poisonous propaganda that is warping young minds.

"Today I can announce that the UK and France will work together to encourage corporations to do more and abide by their social responsibility to step up their efforts to remove harmful content from their networks, including exploring the possibility of creating a new legal liability for tech companies if they fail to remove unacceptable content."