The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has proposed the creation of an independent regulator accountable for harmful online content, Engadget reported.

According to the initiative, the regulator will receive the right to block access to the sites or punish the leaders of the companies violating.

An independent regulator will be created to tighten existing standards.  The social media companies are expected to be obliged to introduce user protection tools.

The new department intends to empower both to fine companies, and take personal measures against their managers, as well as to block the assets of firms.

According to the statement, the regulator will control social networks, hosting providers, forums, instant messengers and search engines.