A week of unrest - and a week of silence from big tech

This past week has been marked by significant unrest in various parts of England and Northern Ireland, with protests and riots causing fear among communities. The situation has drawn a heavy police presence, and social media has played a crucial role in amplifying the events. Journalists from BBC News have been reaching out to major tech companies to inquire about their responses to the ongoing turmoil. Unfortunately, these companies have largely chosen to remain silent, with the exception of Telegram, a messaging app that has issued a statement regarding its efforts to monitor and manage the situation. Baroness Martha Lane Fox, a prominent figure in the UK tech industry, has voiced her concerns about the lack of accountability from big tech firms. Having served on the board of Twitter, she understands the reluctance of these companies to engage in political matters, as it often does not benefit their interests. However, she believes that the silence from these firms is troubling and that the government should take action to address the issue. So far, major tech companies like Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, have not commented on the riots. Other platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Signal have also remained quiet. A source from Snapchat indicated that the company is in close communication with the UK government and the regulator, Ofcom. Meanwhile, Telegram has been scrutinized for a list that circulated on its platform, which was perceived as a credible threat to certain individuals. Although Telegram did not specifically address the list, they assured the BBC that their moderators are actively working to remove any content that incites violence. Elon Musk, the owner of X, formerly known as Twitter, has faced criticism for his remarks regarding the riots. He has not responded to BBC News' requests for comments. Musk's tweets have included statements suggesting that 'civil war is inevitable' and questioning why communities in Britain are not being adequately protected. He also shared a controversial image that implied the establishment of 'detainment camps' for rioters. Experts suggest that tech companies are often reluctant to engage in politically charged situations due to the fear of alienating users or becoming embroiled in regulatory disputes. This silence is seen as a strategic move to avoid direct responsibility for the unfolding events. Adam Leon Smith, a fellow at the Chartered Institute for IT, described the silence of these companies as 'incredibly disrespectful' to the public. Media analyst Hanna Kahlert noted that tech firms may be cautious about their public statements, as these comments could have long-term implications for their strategies and advertising revenue. Looking ahead, new regulations are set to empower the regulator, Ofcom, through the Online Safety Act, which is expected to take effect early next year. Ofcom has urged social media platforms to take proactive measures before the new rules are implemented. However, some, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, are questioning whether these measures will be sufficient. The Prime Minister has indicated that a broader examination of social media is necessary in light of the recent disorder. Professor Lorna Woods, an expert in internet law, has pointed out that even with the new legislation, not all harmful content will be addressed. A recent YouGov poll revealed that a significant portion of the British public believes social media companies should be held more accountable for their actions. As big tech remains largely silent, it appears that the public is demanding greater responsibility and transparency from these platforms.