UK government considers new action to curb online misinformation during crises
12 reported
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated the government is considering fresh action to halt the spread of misinformation during public crises, following rioting in Southampton over the police response to the fatal stabbing of Henry Nowak. Kendall said she was “very concerned” about the role of social media platforms in times of unrest and that the government needs to look at what more can be done, particularly during moments of crisis and disorder. She pointed to a report from the Commons science, innovation and technology committee that called for Ofcom to implement “crisis response protocols” to hold platforms responsible for misinformation. The committee launched its investigation after the 2024 summer riots, when misinformation spread quickly after the murder of three girls at a dance class in Southport. Kendall said the government is looking at boosting trusted sources of information and enabling people to reset their algorithms. Chi Onwurah, the committee chair, said the government must do more to stop the spread of misinformation online, noting that the Online Safety Act was found to be “woefully inadequate” and that most of the committee’s recommendations were rejected.
What’s reported
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government is considering fresh action to halt the spread of misinformation during public crises.
Rioting broke out in Southampton over the police response to the fatal stabbing of Henry Nowak.
Kendall said she was “very concerned” about the role of social media platforms in times of unrest.
A Commons science, innovation and technology committee report called for Ofcom to implement “crisis response protocols” to hold platforms responsible for misinformation.
The committee launched its investigation after the 2024 summer riots, when misinformation spread after the murder of three girls at a dance class in Southport.
Kendall said the government is looking at boosting trusted sources of information and enabling people to reset their algorithms.
Chi Onwurah, the committee chair, said the Online Safety Act was found to be “woefully inadequate” and most of the committee’s recommendations were rejected.
On Thursday, Keir Starmer accused Elon Musk of “interfering in our politics.”
Kendall said she would not be “bullied off” Elon Musk’s X platform.
Musk has repeatedly posted about the Nowak case to his 240m followers on X; one post sharing comments from MP Rupert Lowe was viewed more than 25m times.
Labour MP Jess Asato is taking legal action against Musk’s xAI company over material created by its Grok AI tool.
An Amnesty International analysis claimed X’s algorithms contributed to a “staggering amplification of hate” after the Southport murders.
Key figures
Liz Kendall, technology secretary
Henry Nowak, victim of fatal stabbing
Chi Onwurah, chair of the Commons science, innovation and technology committee
Keir Starmer, prime minister
Elon Musk, owner of X
Rupert Lowe, far-right MP
Jess Asato, Labour MP
Sources: The Guardian
