[ad_1]
There was a “clear connection” between the violent disorder within the UK in the summertime and posts on social media and messaging apps, Ofcom has concluded.
The authorities had requested the media regulator to contemplate how unlawful content material, significantly disinformation, unfold throughout the unrest.
In an open letter setting out its findings, Ofcom boss Dame Melanie Dawes mentioned such content material unfold “widely and quickly” online following the stabbings in Southport, in July, which preceded the disorder.
She added most online companies took “rapid action”, however mentioned the responses of some corporations have been “uneven.”
“Misinformation appeared online almost immediately after the attacks, some of it appearing to have malicious intent and seeking to influence public opinion and reaction,” Dame Melanie wrote.
“Posts about the Southport incident and subsequent events from high-profile accounts reached millions of users, demonstrating the role that virality and algorithmic recommendations can play in driving divisive narratives in a crisis period,” she added.
At the time of the unrest, Ofcom confronted criticism for not doing extra to rein within the unfold of unfaithful and inflammatory content material.
It urged tech corporations to take motion – but additionally identified the improved powers it is because of get underneath the Online Safety Act had not but come into drive.
The act will see the creation of codes of follow for giant tech corporations which can place new duties on them for tackling disinformation.
“I am confident that, had the draft Codes been in force at the time, they would have provided a firm basis for urgent engagement with services on the steps they were taking to protect UK users from harm,” Dame Melanie wrote.
She mentioned the brand new powers set “clear standards” for what Ofcom would anticipate to see in future from large tech corporations, akin to:
- Specifying of their phrases of service provisions how people are to be protected against precedence unlawful content material
- Having methods designed to swiftly take down unlawful content material and having “adequately resourced” content material moderation groups
- Providing efficient and accessible mechanisms for customers to complain about unlawful content material, together with on messaging platforms
The unrest which broke out in August 2024 was the worst that had been seen within the UK for a decade.
It was adopted by waves of arrests and prosecutions, some for online offences.
The function that large tech performed was topic to a lot scrutiny – although the platforms themselves remained largely silent.
The prime minister additionally bought dragged right into a disagreement with one of many highest profile individuals in tech – X proprietor Elon Musk.
The tech billionaire advised that “civil war is inevitable” following the disorder.
Sir Keir Starmer hit again saying there was “no justification” for Mr Musk’s feedback, including there was extra that social media corporations “can and should be doing”.
[ad_2]
Source link