The UK's Online Safety Bill has been amended to include cruelty to animals as a 'priority offence'. Among other intolerable offences, such as child sexual images and terrorist content, is the display of gruesome acts against animals on social media platforms. Tech giants will now bear the responsibility for moderating such content. Failing to comply could result in a fine of up to 10% of their global revenue. 

Highlighted in the debate leading up to the adoption of the amendment was the unveiling of the Monkey Haters case, an investigative report brought to the fore by the BBC. Therein, investigators found that Facebook was home to dozens of monkey-torture groups. Soon after, the company indicated that it had removed all such groups from its platform.

The Amendment was proposed and backed by the House of Lords ministers and is expected to receive royal assent this month. 

Why does it matter?

The amendment to the online safety bill promotes the humane treatment of animals, even if it is only online. It, however cuts both ways as social. The modification may inspire action against animal cruelty offline.