In an exclusive interview, Ofcom chief Dame Melanie Dawes discussed the findings regarding the recent riots across England and Northern Ireland, connecting the violent unrest directly to social media influences. The government had commissioned Ofcom to investigate how illegal content and misinformation disseminated during the upheaval.
Dame Melanie emphasized that following the stabbings in Southport last July, which triggered the chaos, posts on various online platforms spread “widely and quickly”. While she acknowledged that most online companies took “rapid action” in response, she criticized the responses from some firms as “uneven”.
“High-profile accounts discussing the Southport incident and the subsequent chaos reached millions, showcasing how virality and algorithmic recommendations can amplify divisive narratives during crises,” Dame Melanie stated. This finding highlights the significant power—and accountability—that social media platforms now hold.
Rashik Parmar, from BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, remarked, “Ofcom is asserting that social media posts inciting riots are more than mere words; they significantly contribute to escalating disorder. There must be accountability when platforms allow harmful and divisive content to proliferate.”
Media analyst Hanna Kahlert from Midia Research echoed these sentiments, stating that Ofcom’s findings represent a “call for social platforms to take greater ownership of the impact of their content.”
During the unrest, Ofcom faced criticism for not doing enough to curb the spread of false and inflammatory information. The organization urged tech companies to act responsibly, noting that it was still awaiting the implementation of enhanced powers under the upcoming Online Safety Act.
Dame Melanie expressed confidence that had these draft codes been in effect during the turmoil, they would have provided a solid framework for immediate engagement with online services to protect UK users from harm. She outlined new expectations for big tech firms, including:
– Clearly stating in their terms of service how they will protect individuals from priority illegal content.
– Establishing systems for the prompt removal of illegal content, supported by well-resourced moderation teams.
– Creating effective and accessible channels for users to report illegal content, especially on messaging platforms.
The unrest that erupted in August 2024 was the worst the UK had experienced in a decade, leading to numerous arrests and prosecutions, some related to online offenses. The role of big tech came under intense scrutiny, while the platforms themselves chose to remain largely silent.
Adding to the discourse, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded to tech billionaire Elon Musk, who suggested “civil war is inevitable” following the riots. Starmer countered that Musk’s comments lacked justification and urged social media companies to take more proactive measures.
