SOCIAL networks should face criminal charges if they fail to keep children safe, according to a new survey.

Research carried out by the NSPCC found 73 per cent of adults surveyed in Yorkshire and Humberside believed directors should face criminal sanctions for failing to keep children safe on their sites, and 76 per cent believed social networks should face corporate prosecution for significant breaches.

Nationally, 77 per cent felt directors should face criminal sanctions, and 85 per cent felt social networks should face corporate prosecution.

The figures were released following the Government's Online Harms White Paper, which has proposed introducing an independent regulator to enforce a legal duty of care on tech companies to keep users safe.

Consultation is underway by the Government on whether new legislation should including holding senior managers liable for gross breaches, and whether the sanctions should be criminal or civil liability.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the charity, said: "The Government’s pledge to bring in independent statutory regulation of social networks is hugely significant but, for effective enforcement, it is vital the regulator has teeth.

"These latest figures show there is overwhelming support for both corporate and individual criminal liability in cases where tech companies significantly fail to protect children from harm. We urge the Government to take this crucial opportunity and decide on legislation that will make tech firms feel the full weight of the law if they fail in their duty of care to children."