In the aftermath of the riots in Britain, social media chiefs, including Elon Musk, have been warned that their platforms could face tougher restrictions. Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that social media is not a law-free zone, and ministers have indicated that the Online Safety Act may be strengthened to regulate social media companies more effectively.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, stirred controversy by suggesting that there could be a „civil war“ in the UK due to an open border policy. This statement fueled claims of a two-tier system of policing in the country, which was strongly refuted by ministers and police chiefs. Downing Street promptly dismissed Musk’s civil war claim, highlighting the need for responsible and accurate communication on social media platforms.
During a visit to the Met Police’s riots nerve center in Lambeth, central London, Sir Keir Starmer reiterated that individuals engaging in illegal behavior online will be held accountable. He emphasized the importance of ensuring community safety and security, especially in the wake of recent disorder.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds signaled that the government would consider amendments to the Online Safety Act following the riots. False claims circulating on social media, such as misinformation about the suspect in the Southport stabbings, were partly blamed for inciting violence. The Act, passed in October, allows for fines of up to 10% of a company’s global turnover for breaches related to illegal content.
Proposed changes to the Online Safety Act could see regulator Ofcom sanctioning companies for allowing „legal but harmful“ content, such as misinformation, to proliferate. The new Labour government inherited the legislation from the Conservatives, with plans to revisit the framework if necessary in light of recent events.
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, called for amendments to the Online Safety Act, stating that it may not be fit for purpose in its current form. A YouGov survey revealed that a majority of adults believe social media companies should be held responsible for posts inciting criminal behavior and that they are not adequately regulated or proactive in countering misinformation during times of crisis.
As discussions around social media regulation intensify, it is clear that there is a growing recognition of the need for accountability and responsible behavior on these platforms. The Online Safety Act may undergo revisions to address the challenges posed by the spread of harmful content and misinformation, ensuring a safer and more secure online environment for all users.