Cybersecurity

Ex-spy chief: Tech companies have a year to shape up over terror content

Technology giants have a year to show they are serious about tackling online terror content, an ex-spy chief has warned.

Robert Hannigan, the former head of intelligence agency GCHQ, said governments will start passing punitive laws unless firms reform themselves.

He also claimed there is a level of “arrogance” in Silicon Valley, suggesting companies see themselves as sitting “above democracy”.

Concerns over the availability of terror-related material such as execution videos and bomb-making instructions on the internet intensified after five attacks hit Britain last year.

Major organisations have come under sustained pressure over the issue.

The head of MI5 has said companies have an “ethical responsibility” to help confront the unprecedented threat, while Britain and France are exploring plans that could see platforms face fines if their efforts are not up to scratch.