UK Reconsiders Social Media Regulation Following Far-Right Riots

In response to a week of far-right riots fueled by false information spread online, the British government is reviewing potential changes to the Online Safety Act, aimed at regulating social media companies. Although the act was passed in October, it will not be enforced until early next year. Currently, the act allows the government to fine social media companies up to 10% of their global turnover if they fail to police illegal content, such as incitements to violence or hate speech. However, proposed amendments may enable Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to sanction companies for allowing “legal but harmful” content, such as misinformation, to proliferate.

The Labour government, which recently took office, inherited this legislation from the Conservatives, who spent considerable time balancing free speech rights with the need to address online harms. A recent YouGov survey of over 2,000 adults revealed that 66% believe social media companies should be held accountable for posts that incite criminal behavior, and 70% feel these companies are not strongly regulated enough. Additionally, 71% of respondents said that social media platforms did not do enough to counter misinformation during the riots.

Key figures have weighed in on the issue. Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds stated that the government is prepared to revisit the law’s framework, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed that the Online Safety Act may need amendments in light of the recent unrest. The riots, sparked by misleading online posts falsely identifying the suspect in a knife attack, underscore the urgency of effective social media regulation.