A police car was set on fire amid protests in Sunderland on Saturday, sparking concerns about the role of social media in escalating violence. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called on social media firms to take action against “shocking misinformation”, online agitators, and the “organisation of violence” following days of unrest in UK towns and cities.
Cooper criticized social media companies for not acting quickly enough to remove “criminal material” that is fueling the protests. She emphasized the need for these firms to take responsibility for online posts that encourage criminality and incite violence.
The Online Safety Act, which became law in 2023 but has not yet fully come into effect, will require social media firms to take robust action against illegal content and activity, including inciting violence. The act will cover offenses such as sending threatening communications online and sharing false information intended to cause harm.
Protestors clashed with police in various locations across the UK over the weekend, with Cooper highlighting the impact of online agitators in inflaming the situation. She stated that social media companies need to recognize the role they play in promoting violence and criminal behavior.
The relationship between online activity and offline violence is a complex issue, according to Anne Craanen, a Senior Research and Policy Manager on Extremism at the ISD think-tank. She noted that platforms struggle with responding to violent incidents that may lead to disinformation and further violence.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson recently criticized social media’s role in the unrest, stating that “violent disorder clearly whipped up online” is a crime. Elon Musk’s comments about civil war being inevitable in the UK have also drawn criticism, with calls for strong responses from government and regulatory bodies.
As the Online Safety Act is set to come into full force, tech firms will be required to assess the risk of illegal content on their platforms and take swift action to remove it. The act aims to hold social media companies accountable for the content shared on their platforms and prevent the spread of harmful misinformation.
