COLU @ CONCEPTS

Image copyright GETTY IMAGES Image caption The bill seeks to prosecute websites that encourage ads selling sex The internet’s most powerful companies say they will support new measures that seek to prevent online sex trafficking. The Internet Association, which counts Facebook, Google and Amazon among its members, had at first said the proposed US law could hurt innovation. But in a statement released on Friday the group said it was satisfied with “important changes” made to the bill. US senators are expected to hold an initial vote on the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (Sesta) next week. "This important bill will hold online sex traffickers accountable and help give trafficking survivors the justice they deserve,” said Senator Robert Portman of Ohio, one of the bill’s authors. “I’m pleased we’ve reached an agreement to further clarify the intent of the bill and advance this important legislation.” Technology companies had been opposed to the bill because of chang...

Image copyright REUTERS Image caption Tech giants are under pressure to improve transparency of political ads Facebook has announced measures to make political advertising on the social media platform more transparent. Political advertisers will have to verify their identity and location and their posts will carry a disclosure saying "paid for by". The steps come amid allegations that Russian-backed groups used social media ads to interfere in the US election. Executives from Facebook and other internet giants will testify before a Senate hearing on Tuesday. "When it comes to advertising on Facebook, people should be able to tell who the advertiser is and see the ads they're running, especially for political ads," Rob Goldman, Facebook's vice president of ads,  said in a blog post. By clicking on the "paid for by" disclosure, users would be able to see more details about the advertiser, he added. Facebook uncovers 'Russian-funded...

Image copyright GETTY IMAGES Image caption Twitter's chief executive, Jack Dorsey, has acknowledged that it needs to be tougher against abuse Twitter is planning to impose new restrictions on pornographic and hateful imagery as part of a renewed effort to tackle abuse on its social network. The US company has also said it intends to review user complaints more quickly. The efforts are outlined in a leaked email from the company's head of safety,  which was published by Wired . But one UK charity has already said the company needs to go further than "tinkering" with its existing rules. Twitter's chief executive, Jack Dorsey, had said on Friday that he planned to announce a "more aggressive stance"  against online abuse this week , after Twitter was criticised for temporarily blocking the account of Rose McGowan - an actress who had accused Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of rape. Harvey Weinstein denies all allegations of non-consensual se...