Government urges social media platforms to tackle riot posts now
The government says social media companies “have an obligation now” to remove posts that incite violence amid growing unrest in the UK.
Critics believe that the media regulator, Ofcom, should be doing more to tackle the malicious content and misinformation posted on online platforms.
However, the Labour Party says the onus is on tech firms to “deal with” the issue rather than waiting for enhanced powers linked to the incoming Online Safety Act, which will come into force in 2025.
It comes after two weeks of violent disorder involving rioters in cities in England and Northern Ireland.
In the halls of power, there is growing frustration about the role of social media in platforming hateful views, which have stoked the unrest.
The recent online spat between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Elon Musk did little to help. Musk wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that “civil war” in the UK was “inevitable”.
Critics now want a tougher approach to target big tech firms.
Azzurra Moores of fact-checking organisation Full Fact said: “We can’t afford to wait weeks and months for bolder, stronger action from Ofcom and the government.”
However, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson backed Ofcom’s open letter, stating that tech firms can remove material that incites violence.
She added that revisions to the pending Online Safety Act could be made to cater to evolving real-world events.
Dame Diana believes tougher responses to rioters are also needed and is looking into lifetime bans from sports matches for those convicted.
A University of Essex professor concluded that Ofcom is currently “in a difficult place” as it waits for the enhanced powers, coming early next year, to act on content.