UK PM Warns Social Media Giants Over Violence After Misinformation Sparks Riots

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer cautioned social media firms about upholding laws against inciting violence online following misinformation about a mass stabbing, resulting in violent protests. Starmer highlighted the danger of false information spread by far-right groups and stressed the need for responsible platform management.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued a stern warning to social media companies, urging them to uphold laws prohibiting incitement of violence online. His remarks come after misinformation about a fatal mass stabbing sparked violent protests in Southport.

A 17-year-old was charged with the murder of three young girls during a knife attack at a summer dance class, prompting two nights of violent unrest. False information circulated online suggested the suspect was a radical Islamist migrant, which fueled anti-immigrant protests and led to attacks on police and a mosque.

Starmer criticized these disturbances as criminal acts driven by far-right hatred and emphasized the responsibility of social media platforms to prevent the spread of false information. He warned that such misinformation could jeopardize the fairness of legal proceedings, potentially depriving victims and their families of justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)