In a stark warning to social media giants, Labour MP Wes Streeting has advocated for stringent measures against platforms that facilitate the spread of violent rhetoric. Citing recent riots in Belfast and previous unrest in Southampton, Mr Streeting argues that companies like X – formerly Twitter – must be held accountable for their role in inciting public disorder. He points out a worrying trend where online platforms are used to disseminate inflammatory content, including false accusations and calls for violent protest, with some posts reportedly from X's owner Elon Musk.
The Labour MP has expressed disappointment that the current governmental response, which largely relies on media regulator Ofcom to enforce the Online Safety Act, is inadequate. He believes that incitement to violence – a crime offline – must also be prosecuted online, and proposed that executives of platforms knowingly promoting dangerous content should face criminal charges, alongside bearing the financial burden of repairing affected communities.
Under the current framework, social media companies are required to remove illegal content, including material that incites violence, with Ofcom responsible for enforcement. However, X has only recently agreed to submit quarterly compliance reports, with the first due in several months. The Government plans to amend the Online Safety Act to accelerate the removal of inflammatory content during times of crisis, though this legislative process is expected to take several months.
Mr Streeting also drew attention to a previous instance where Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer threatened X with a UK ban over its Grok AI tool generating sexualised images. This prompt response from X contrasts with the slower pace in addressing incitement to violence, which has prompted criticism of the Government's handling of the issue.
The debate highlights the ongoing dilemma of balancing free speech with the need to prevent online incitement to violence and the potential financial liabilities for technology companies involved in such scenarios.