 "Can Elon Musk be held accountable for misinformation on X amid UK riots?")
Britain has been engulfed in violent unrest for over a week, with clashes between police and protesters occurring in multiple cities across England and in towns of Northern Ireland as well.
The turmoil began following a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport on July 29, which resulted in the tragic deaths of three young girls. Misinformation quickly spread on social media, falsely identifying the attacker as an asylum seeker, which fuelled the ensuing riots marked by anti-immigrant and Islamophobic slogans.
How is Elon Musk involved in the unrest?
Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), has played a controversial role in the ongoing situation. Musk posted a series of incendiary comments on X, including a declaration that “civil war is inevitable” in the UK.
Civil war is inevitable
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 4, 2024
He also criticised the British criminal justice system, claiming it treats Muslims more leniently than far-right activists and compared the UK’s social media crackdown to the Soviet Union. These comments have been widely condemned by UK officials.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsUK Justice Minister Heidi Alexander was vocal about Musk’s irresponsible use of his platform, stating, “Use of language such as a ‘civil war’ is in no way acceptable.” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while avoiding direct engagement with Musk, described the riots as “far-right thuggery” and stressed that those responsible would face swift justice.
I utterly condemn the far-right thuggery we have seen this weekend.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 4, 2024
Be in no doubt: those who have participated in this violence will face the full force of the law. pic.twitter.com/uNeJtD8pCQ
In response to the violence, more than 400 individuals have been arrested, with around 100 charged. Starmer underlined the urgency of maintaining public safety and restoring order. The UK government has called on social media companies, including Musk’s X, to do more in combating the spread of misleading and inflammatory information online.
Alexander highlighted the importance of strengthening the Online Safety Act, which was approved last year and is set to be fully implemented by 2025. She acknowledged some positive steps taken by social media companies but insisted that more action is needed, especially regarding the automatic removal of false information.
Will Musk be held ‘accountable’?
UK Labour MPs Chi Onwurah and Dawn Butler, both candidates for chairing Parliament’s science, innovation, and technology committee, have expressed their intent to summon Musk for questioning about X’s role in the riots, reported Politico.
Dear Mr Musk we seek to protect all communities and speak out when specific communities are targeted as is the case here. And speaking of targeting shouldn't you be concerned about X's role in spreading misinformation and responsibility not to incite racial hatred? https://t.co/OCLSASy7OY
— Chi Onwurah 💙 (@ChiOnwurah) August 5, 2024
Onwurah criticised X for promoting misinformation and racial hatred, stating that the platform has a “responsibility not to incite racial hatred.” Butler shared similar concerns, highlighting the need for transparency in X’s content moderation processes.
Butler recounted her own experience of reporting abusive messages on X, to Politico, only to be told that they did not “reach the threshold” for removal. Both MPs have committed to pressing Musk for more accountability if elected to chair the committee.
Is this a first for Musk?
Musk’s involvement in the UK riots is part of a broader pattern of controversial political engagement. Earlier this year, he clashed with a Brazilian supreme court justice over issues of free speech, far-right accounts, and purported misinformation on X.
He also accused Venezuela’s socialist president, Nicolás Maduro, of “major election fraud” following a disputed election.
Major election fraud by Maduro https://t.co/fi4xcSVd2Y
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 29, 2024
Musk’s comments and actions are closely watched by his substantial following, which includes individuals who admire his business success and see him as a visionary. Stephanie Alice Baker, a sociologist at City University of London, told AP that Musk’s impulsive comments are often perceived by his fans as part of his genius.
Is Musk a threat to online safety?
The UK’s legislative and regulatory environment is facing significant challenges in addressing the influence of social media. The Online Safety Act aims to provide a framework for regulating harmful content, but its full implementation is still some time away.
Alex Krasodomski of Chatham House noted that Musk’s combative stance towards regulators is atypical in the tech industry, highlighting his resistance to efforts aimed at moderating content on his platform, reported AP.
Musk’s interactions with far-right figures like Tommy Robinson and his support for Donald Trump’s re-election campaign in the US indicate a shift towards more politically charged rhetoric.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 6, 2024
His use of the hashtag “#2tierkeir” in reference to perceived double standards in policing further inflamed the situation. Musk’s critics argue that his behaviour poses a threat to social stability, while his supporters view him as a staunch advocate for free speech.
How is Musk fanning the flames?
The UK government has consistently rebuked Musk’s comments. A spokesperson for Starmer stated, “There’s no justification for comments like that. What we’ve seen in this country is organised, violent thuggery that has no place, either on our streets or online.”
Despite the criticism, Musk has continued to post provocative comments, questioning whether the riots were happening in Britain or the Soviet Union and interacting with far-right activists.
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The British government is also dealing with allegations of “two-tier” policing, a conspiracy theory promoted by figures like Tommy Robinson and Nigel Farage. They claim that police are treating white far-right protesters more harshly than minority groups.
Parliament must be recalled for a proper debate. pic.twitter.com/OrQa7o38a1
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 5, 2024
UK Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Courts Minister Heidi Alexander have robustly dismissed these claims, stating that all individuals, regardless of their background, will face the full force of the law if they participate in violent disorder.
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’re protesting – if you turn up in a mask, with a weapon, intent on causing disorder, you will face the full force of the law.
— Shabana Mahmood MP (@ShabanaMahmood) August 6, 2024
To those working with police and community organisations with pride and civic duty - you are the best of us.
What is the impact of social media on the UK riots?
The role of social media in exacerbating the riots cannot be understated. The spread of misinformation about the knife attack and the coordination of violent protests through platforms like X have significantly contributed to the unrest.
Musk’s provocative comments and the platform’s algorithms, which amplify sensational content, have further inflamed the situation.
Labour MPs have been urged to avoid engaging in online debates about the riots and to focus on promoting unity and community resilience. According to The Guardian, Chief Whip Alan Campbell advised MPs to amplify positive messages from their local communities and to engage with faith leaders to help restore order and calm.
With inputs from agencies
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