The recent riots in Rotherham, England have sparked a wave of unrest and fear in communities across the country. With social media playing a significant role in fueling the flames, the spotlight has turned to big tech companies and their response to the situation.
Journalists at BBC News have been reaching out to tech giants like Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) to inquire about their actions in light of the riots. However, most companies have remained silent, with only Telegram issuing a statement regarding their efforts to monitor and remove violent content from their platform.
Baroness Martha Lane Fox, a prominent figure in the UK tech scene, expressed her disappointment in the lack of accountability and regulation from these companies. She emphasized the importance of taking ownership of the situation and not shying away from political involvement.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, came under fire for his comments on the riots, including a tweet suggesting that civil war is inevitable. His controversial statements have drawn criticism from the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, highlighting the impact of tech company owners’ words on public discourse.
Experts believe that tech companies are hesitant to engage in politically charged situations for fear of alienating users or facing regulatory challenges. However, with the Online Safety Act set to come into force next year, regulators like Ofcom are urging platforms to take action sooner rather than later.
As the debate around social media responsibility continues to escalate, the British public is calling for more accountability from tech firms. The silence from these companies may not be sustainable, as regulatory measures and public pressure could shape a new future for big tech in the UK.
