Ofcom: Clear link between online posts and violent disorder

During the summer, England experienced significant riots, particularly in Sunderland. Ofcom, the media regulator, has determined that there is a clear connection between the violent events that unfolded in England and Northern Ireland and the posts shared on social media and messaging applications. The government had requested Ofcom to investigate how illegal content and misinformation circulated during the unrest. In a statement, Ofcom's chief, Dame Melanie Dawes, noted that such content spread rapidly online following the stabbings in Southport in July, which preceded the riots. She pointed out that while most online platforms took swift action, the responses from some companies were inconsistent. 'Posts regarding the Southport incident and the subsequent events from prominent accounts reached millions of users, highlighting the influence of virality and algorithmic recommendations in promoting divisive narratives during a crisis,' Dame Melanie stated. Experts have emphasized the power and responsibility that social media platforms hold. Rashik Parmar from BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, remarked, 'Ofcom is indicating that social media posts that incite riots are not merely words; they significantly contribute to escalating disorder. ' He further stressed the need for accountability when platforms allow dangerously divisive content to remain unchecked. Media analyst Hanna Kahlert from Midia Research stated that Ofcom's findings serve as a call for social media platforms to take greater responsibility for the impact of the content they host. At the time of the unrest, Ofcom faced criticism for not doing enough to control the spread of false and inflammatory content. However, they also highlighted that the enhanced powers they are set to receive under the Online Safety Act had not yet been implemented. This act will establish codes of practice for major tech companies, imposing new responsibilities on them to combat misinformation. 'I am confident that if the draft Codes had been in effect during the unrest, they would have provided a solid foundation for urgent discussions with services regarding the measures they were taking to safeguard UK users from harm,' Dame Melanie wrote. She explained that the new powers would set clear standards for what Ofcom expects from big tech firms in the future, including: outlining in their terms of service how individuals will be protected from priority illegal content, having systems in place to swiftly remove illegal content, and ensuring that content moderation teams are adequately resourced. Additionally, they must provide effective and accessible mechanisms for users to report illegal content, including on messaging platforms. The unrest that erupted in August 2024 was the worst seen in the UK in a decade, leading to numerous arrests, some for online offenses. The role of big tech companies was scrutinized during this period, and the Prime Minister found himself embroiled in a war of words with Elon Musk, the owner of X. Musk suggested that 'civil war is inevitable' following the disorder, to which Sir Keir Starmer responded that there was 'no justification' for Musk's comments, adding that social media companies 'can and should do more.