Anamika Dey, editor
Brief news
- UK Technology Minister Peter Kyle revealed ongoing “positive” discussions with Elon Musk’s platform X about addressing misinformation and harmful content, emphasizing the need for social media accountability.
- The conversations were prompted by misinformation following a violent incident in northwest England, which led to far-right riots and significant societal unrest.
- The UK government is pushing for the swift implementation of the Online Safety Act, which will impose strict regulations and penalties on social media companies for failing to manage illegal content.
Detailed news
LONDON — Peter Kyle, the technology minister, disclosed to CNBC on Friday that the United Kingdom government has engaged in “positive” discussions with Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, regarding the dissemination of detrimental content and misinformation.
Kyle informed Arabile Gumede of CNBC that the government had been in communication with all of the main social media platforms, including Musk’s X, over the summer regarding misinformation and their role in the dissemination of detrimental material.
The minister stated that, despite the fact that he has not had direct contact with Musk himself, he is “in frequent communication with his local chief executives here in United Kingdom.”
“So far, the conversations have been constructive,” he stated, clarifying that despite the “differences” in their perspectives, they are able to discuss them.
Kyle stated that there are currently greater expectations among citizens and governments worldwide regarding social media platforms and their ability to ensure the safety of individuals and mitigate potential damages associated with their products.
“Access to the British economy and society is a privilege.” He further stated, “I simply anticipate that any organization that establishes operations in our country and intends to distribute its products and services to our citizens will acknowledge this.”
Kyle’s remarks to CNBC were made in response to the widespread dissemination of misinformation online following a knife attack at a dance class in northwest England that was themed after Taylor Swift. This incident prompted far-right, anti-immigration rioting, which resulted in the destruction of stores and mosques in towns throughout the country.
False information regarding the alleged perpetrator, who has since been charged with attempted murder and murder, was disseminated by numerous social media users at the time. The users claimed that the individual was an asylum seeker.
In reference to the conspiracy theory that police were treating white far-right demonstrators and rioters more harshly than minority groups, Musk, who owns X, made comments about the situation in the U.K. during the rioting, calling Prime Minister Keir Starmer “two-tier Keir.”
In an X post, he also indicated that the unrest could ultimately lead to a civil war, stating, “Civil war is inevitable.” The U.K. government condemned Musk’s remarks.
The Financial Times reported last week that Dawn Butler, a British lawmaker who is a leading candidate to become the next chair of the parliamentary committee on science, innovation, and technology, intends to summon Musk to answer queries from members of parliament if she is elected.
“Access to the British economy and society is a privilege.” He further stated, “I simply anticipate that any organization that establishes operations in our country and intends to distribute its products and services to our citizens will acknowledge this.”
Kyle’s remarks to CNBC were made in response to the widespread dissemination of misinformation online following a knife attack at a dance class in northwest England that was themed after Taylor Swift. This incident prompted far-right, anti-immigration rioting, which resulted in the destruction of stores and mosques in towns throughout the country.
False information regarding the alleged perpetrator, who has since been charged with attempted murder and murder, was disseminated by numerous social media users at the time. The users claimed that the individual was an asylum seeker.
In reference to the conspiracy theory that police were treating white far-right demonstrators and rioters more harshly than minority groups, Musk, who owns X, made comments about the situation in the U.K. during the rioting, calling Prime Minister Keir Starmer “two-tier Keir.”
In an X post, he also indicated that the unrest could ultimately lead to a civil war, stating, “Civil war is inevitable.” The U.K. government condemned Musk’s remarks.
The Financial Times reported last week that Dawn Butler, a British lawmaker who is a leading candidate to become the next chair of the parliamentary committee on science, innovation, and technology, intends to summon Musk to answer queries from members of parliament if she is elected.
In early 2025, the British regulator Ofcom will have the authority to fine firms up to 10% of their global annual revenues and even imprison senior managers if they are found to be in violation of the Online Safety Act (OSA). The OSA is a comprehensive set of regulations that mandate the effective policing of illegal content by digital platforms.
In order to address incidents such as the summer unrest, politicians and campaign organizations in the United Kingdom have advocated for the expedited implementation of the OSA.
Last month, sources with knowledge of the situation informed CNBC that the government is considering a review of the legislation; however, the exact timeline for this review is uncertain.
Ofcom has stated that the implementation of codes of conduct for technology companies must be finalized before they can commence. Earlier this year, a government spokesperson stated to CNBC that the “immediate focus” is on the rapid and effective implementation of the Online Safety Act.
Nevertheless, this spokesperson reiterated, “Our message to social media companies is unequivocal: There is no need to delay; you have the ability and responsibility to take immediate action to safeguard your users.”
Source : CNBC News
