UK Mulls Online Safety Act Changes After Misinformation-Fueled Riots

In the wake of recent civil unrest fueled by online misinformation, the British government is contemplating modifications to the Online Safety Act. This legislation, enacted in October 2023 but not scheduled for implementation until early 2025, aims to regulate social media companies and combat harmful online content.

The current version of the act permits the government to impose fines of up to 10% of a company's global turnover for failing to police illegal content. However, proposed changes could expand Ofcom's authority to sanction platforms for allowing "legal but harmful" content, such as misinformation, to proliferate.

Public sentiment strongly favors more stringent oversight of social media platforms. A YouGov survey conducted on August 4, 2024, revealed that 66% of respondents believe social media companies should be held accountable for posts inciting criminal behavior. Additionally, 70% expressed that these companies are not adequately regulated, while 71% felt they did not do enough to counter misinformation during the recent riots.

Nick Thomas Symonds, Cabinet Office minister, stated on August 9, 2024:

"There are obviously aspects of the Online Safety Act that haven't come into effect yet. We stand ready to make changes if necessary."

Similarly, London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his concerns to the Guardian on August 8, 2024, asserting that the act needs amendment and is currently "not fit for purpose."

The recent unrest was triggered by widely circulated false information identifying the suspected perpetrator of a July 29, 2024 knife attack as a Muslim migrant. As violence erupted across Britain, Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), further complicated matters by sharing misleading information with his vast follower base, including a post suggesting civil war was "inevitable" in Britain.

The Online Safety Act represents a significant shift from self-regulation to statutory oversight for online platforms. It covers a wide range of services, including social media, search engines, and messaging apps, and includes provisions for protecting children and vulnerable adults online. The legislation has been closely watched by other countries considering similar measures to combat online harms.

As the British government navigates these complex issues, it must balance the need for effective regulation with concerns about potential infringements on free speech. The ongoing debate surrounding the Online Safety Act highlights the challenges of addressing online harms in an ever-evolving digital landscape.