In light of the ongoing riots across Britain, social media platforms have been strongly urged to take immediate action against online violence and hate speech.

This call to action came from the media regulator, Ofcom, which issued an open letter to tech company leaders emphasizing their responsibility to shield users from content that could incite violence or hatred.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner voiced her frustration with the proliferation of “fake news” and hate online. During a visit to a former asylum seekers’ hotel in Rotherham that was recently attacked by far-Right rioters, she criticized the role of social media in spreading misinformation.

Addressing comments from Elon Musk, who had disparaged the Prime Minister and suggested biased treatment of Muslims during the riots, Rayner stressed that social media platforms have a duty to manage and curb the spread of false information and hate.

Elon Musk’s remarks have stirred controversy, especially after he suggested that civil war was looming in the UK and criticized the Prime Minister.

Musk’s comments, made to his 193 million followers on X, have been perceived by some as irresponsible.

His comments have included over 30 posts related to immigration, crime, and politics since the Southport stabbings last week. Critics argue that his platform has been lenient in dealing with racist remarks and controversial figures like Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate.

Ofcom’s Call for Immediate Action

Ofcom’s letter to social media companies highlighted the importance of preventing their platforms from being used to spread hatred and provoke violence.

Gill Whitehead from Ofcom urged companies to act promptly, even before the new Online Safety Act comes into effect.

This Act, set to impose significant fines on tech giants for failing to manage illegal content, is still months away from implementation. Meanwhile, existing regulations require some platforms to protect users from harmful content, though major sites like X and Facebook are not currently covered by these rules.

Government Monitoring and Public Reaction

Amid these developments, a government agency previously criticized for surveillance during the Covid-19 pandemic, now known as the National Security Online Information Team (NSOIT), has been tasked with monitoring social media activity related to the riots.

This move has sparked concerns about the agency’s effectiveness and its role in the current crisis.

Labour MP Andrew Lewin has sharply criticized Elon Musk for allegedly exacerbating tensions with his inflammatory rhetoric. Lewin condemned Musk’s actions, stating that they contribute to division and unrest. This criticism reflects broader concerns about the influence of social media platforms and their role in the ongoing situation.

TDPel Media

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