"Ofcom will not hesitate to impose fines on social media firms who fail to deal with harmful content, its new boss has said.
The watchdog would also consider temporarily suspending platforms in extreme cases of harm.
Chief executive Dame Melanie Dawes set out the powers Ofcom would use if, as expected, it is appointed as regulator.
She was responding to questions from MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee.
The government has not yet announced which body will be given the role of overseeing content on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Google, although Ofcom is the most likely candidate.
The new regulator will have powers to impose penalties on a range of content including bullying, child abuse, terrorism and fake news.
"Fines need to be part of the regime. These are extremely large companies with significant financial muscle," she told MPs.
France recently passed a law that requires social media to remove hate speech and illegal content within one hour or face heavy fines."
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