Online platforms warned over disorder violence risk
Ofcom warned social media platforms about their potential to incite violence and hatred, urging immediate action before the Online Safety Act is implemented, which may not occur until 2025.
Read original article
Ofcom has issued a warning to social media platforms regarding their role in escalating unrest in the UK, stating that there is an "increased risk" of these sites inciting hatred and violence. In an open letter, the media regulator urged platforms to enhance user safety without waiting for the Online Safety Act to come into effect, which may not be until 2025. Current regulations require video-sharing platforms like TikTok and Snap to prevent the dissemination of content that could incite violence, but many others, including YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), are not bound by these rules. Fact-checking organization Full Fact emphasized the urgency for immediate action against online misinformation, which they argue is contributing to real-time unrest. Ofcom's director for online safety, Gill Whitehead, indicated that final codes of practice for the new law would be published by the end of the year. The government has also expressed concern over a list circulating online that allegedly contains the names and addresses of immigration lawyers, which the Law Society has deemed a credible threat. Social media platforms are under scrutiny for their handling of such content, with Telegram stating it is actively monitoring and removing posts that incite violence.
- Ofcom warns social media platforms about their role in inciting violence and hatred.
- The Online Safety Act may not be fully implemented until 2025, prompting calls for immediate action.
- Current regulations require some platforms to prevent violent content, but many do not have to comply.
- A list threatening immigration lawyers has raised concerns about safety and online threats.
- The government and organizations are urging social media companies to take stronger measures against misinformation.
Related
Blue checks on X deceiving users into engaging with harmful material, EU says
The European Union warns Elon Musk's platform X for misleading users with verification marks, raising concerns over transparency and potential breaches of the Digital Services Act. X faces fines if issues persist.
Canada Allocates $146.6M for New Censorship Commission
Canada allocates $146.6 million for a Digital Safety Commission to enforce the Online Harms Act, hiring 330 staff to regulate online platforms and combat hate speech. Critics fear infringement on freedoms and favoritism towards Big Tech.
Malaysia is working on an internet 'kill switch', says minister
Malaysia plans to introduce an internet "kill switch" law to enhance digital security, requiring social media platforms to take responsibility for online crimes. New licensing rules for platforms are also forthcoming.
Downing Street condemns Elon Musk for claim 'civil war is inevitable' in UK
Downing Street condemned Elon Musk's claim of an inevitable civil war in the UK, linking it to far-right riots fueled by misinformation, prompting calls for stricter social media regulation.
Partisan bot-like accounts continue to amplify divisive content on X
Partisan bot-like accounts on X amplified divisive political content, generating over 3 billion impressions before the UK general election, spreading conspiracy theories and disinformation while lacking clear political affiliations.
0 commentsRelated
Blue checks on X deceiving users into engaging with harmful material, EU says
The European Union warns Elon Musk's platform X for misleading users with verification marks, raising concerns over transparency and potential breaches of the Digital Services Act. X faces fines if issues persist.
Canada Allocates $146.6M for New Censorship Commission
Canada allocates $146.6 million for a Digital Safety Commission to enforce the Online Harms Act, hiring 330 staff to regulate online platforms and combat hate speech. Critics fear infringement on freedoms and favoritism towards Big Tech.
Malaysia is working on an internet 'kill switch', says minister
Malaysia plans to introduce an internet "kill switch" law to enhance digital security, requiring social media platforms to take responsibility for online crimes. New licensing rules for platforms are also forthcoming.
Downing Street condemns Elon Musk for claim 'civil war is inevitable' in UK
Downing Street condemned Elon Musk's claim of an inevitable civil war in the UK, linking it to far-right riots fueled by misinformation, prompting calls for stricter social media regulation.
Partisan bot-like accounts continue to amplify divisive content on X
Partisan bot-like accounts on X amplified divisive political content, generating over 3 billion impressions before the UK general election, spreading conspiracy theories and disinformation while lacking clear political affiliations.