UK Government to Revise Online Safety Act Amid Racist Riots

The UK government is considering changes to the Online Safety Act following a week of racist riots fueled by misinformation on social media. The act, which can fine social media companies for failing to police illegal content, might be amended to target legal but harmful content including misinformation.

The British government is set to review potential adjustments to the Online Safety Act after a series of racist riots sparked by online falsehoods.

The act, passed in October but yet to be enforced, includes provisions for fining social media companies up to 10% of their global turnover for failing to control illegal content such as hate speech and incitements to violence.

Recent discussions hint at extending sanctions to companies that allow legal but harmful content, including misinformation, to proliferate. Labour's newly elected government, inheriting the legislation from the Conservatives, may make these changes before its enforcement next year.

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas Symonds acknowledged the potential need for amendments on Sky News, while London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed similar sentiments in The Guardian. The disorder followed online misidentification of a murder suspect, further intensified by misleading posts from Elon Musk suggesting inevitable civil unrest.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson condemned the rhetoric, emphasizing there is no justification for such comments.