No 10 to Enforce The Online Safety Act on Social Media Misinformation and Elon Musk’s UK ‘Civil War’ Post

The law applies online, so if you’re inciting violence, it doesn’t matter whether it’s online or offline- Sir Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister

Elon Musk’s “civil war is inevitable” post, in reaction to a video of UK riots, has drawn firm reaction from Downing Street. The government states that there’s “no justification” for Musk’s statement, urging social media platforms to regulate misinformation.

This incident follows recent statements by the UK Prime Minister, declaring that anyone encouraging violence online will be prosecuted, as the law applies equally online and offline. Current UK regulations under the Public Order Act 1986 and the Online Safety Act 2023 require social media companies to manage illegal content and activities.

Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, highlighted the significant urgent need for social media platforms to recognize and act against online provocateurs and misinformation, which have incited offline violence. Anne Craanen, from the ISD think-tank, echoed similar sentiments, citing inadequate enforcement of Terms of Service.

Following the ongoing unrest, the government expects amped up responsibility from tech firms, with Ofcom, the regulator, to enforce the Online Safety Act. Despite ongoing controversies, the need for firmer digital safety regulations persists.

Government Response to Musk’s Statement

The UK government, through its spokesperson at Number 10 Downing Street, has issued a sharp rebuke to controversial statement made by Tesla CEO Elon Musk on the social media platform ‘X’, previously known as Twitter. Musk recently suggested that a “civil war is inevitable” in the UK amidst public protests and disturbances.

At an emergency meeting convened to address escalating unrest across the UK, the Prime Minister made it expressly clear that individuals who incite violence online will face prosecution.

Sir Keir Starmer, speaking for the Prime Minister, asserted that “the law applies online, just like it does offline”. Making it clear that inciting violence online attracts the same penalties as offline occurrences. Furthermore, a spokesperson emphasized that social media platforms “have a responsibility” to ensure any criminal activity, even from those outside the UK, is not propagated on their platforms.

Concerns over Social Media Misinformation

We can understand the government’s concern, especially in light of fears over bot activity online. Much of this could potentially be augmented by state actors spreading disinformation. However, they stopped short of identifying countries that they suspect to be involved.

The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has called for more robust action by social media firms to tackle “shocking misinformation,” online provocateurs and the “organisation of violence”. She expressed concern over the slow response times of these platforms when it comes to removing “criminal content”.

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In the UK, laws around incitement predate the existence of social media and are outlined within the Public Order Act 1986. Provisions under this act encompass the instigation of violence and harassment, as well as participation in rioting. However, new regulations under the Online Safety Act 2023 also require social media companies to tackle illegal content and activity.

Yvette Cooper pointed out that social media firms are yet to fully comprehend the serious impact of agitators. She referred to posts containing “things which are clearly already criminal”. Cooper emphasized the need for social media platforms to do more to combat the harmful content and misinformation, ensuring that laws are enforced.

Anne Craanen, a Senior Research and Policy Manager on Extremism, highlighted the inextricable relationship between online activity and offline violence. She emphasized the relevant responsibilities of social media platforms, accusing some of failing to enforce their own Terms of Service promptly and effectively.

Government’s Expectations from Social Media Platforms

Recent unrest resulted in a firm warning from the Prime Minister toward social media platforms and their owners, cautioning that “violent disorder whipped up online” is nothing but a criminal offence. Musk made his controversial post shortly after this warning, which indirectly set the stage for the current controversy expressed by the Prime Minister’s office and the local government.

No 10 expects social media platforms to act responsibly and promptly to curb harmful and illegal content. An Ofcom spokesperson conveyed that the regulator is working to enforce the Online Safety Act, ensuring tech firms are held accountable for preventing and tackling illegal content on their platforms.

The narrative surrounding Musk’s statement and the issue of online incitement continues to spark mixed reactions. Despite the various concerns, the need for more robust digital safety regulations and social media platform responsibility remains a central theme.