A UK digital regulator calls for stronger tools to tackle online misinformation, citing a link between social media posts and violent disorder in England.
The recent violent disorder in England has sparked a debate about the role of social media in spreading misinformation.
The Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Andy Cooke, has called for greater powers to be given to Ofcom, the media regulator, to remove misleading posts from social media platforms.
Online misinformation refers to false or misleading information shared through digital platforms.
It can spread rapidly, causing confusion and harm to individuals and communities.
According to a study, 62% of adults in the US have encountered online misinformation.
Social media algorithms often prioritize sensational content, amplifying its reach.
To combat this issue, fact-checking websites and independent media outlets are working to verify information and promote critical thinking.
The Limits of Online Safety Act
Despite the recent passing of the Online Safety Act, which aims to protect people from illegal material and ensure children do not encounter other harmful content, Sir Andy argues that it does not give Ofcom the tools it needs to contain such content.
He believes that if posts are not removed quickly, they can spread virally, having a greater impact.
The regulator has stated that its powers under the act involve making sure sites and apps have effective systems and processes in place to protect people from illegal material.
If platforms fail to act and put their users at risk, they can expect to face enforcement action.
However, this approach has been criticized for not doing enough to address the spread of untrue and inflammatory content.
A Clear Connection Between Online Posts and Disorder
Sir Andy’s report highlights a ‘clear connection’ between the disorder in England and posts on social media and messaging apps.
In fact, more than 30 people have been arrested for making posts during the riots, which were sparked by the killing of three children in Southport.
Among them were Tyler Kay, 26, and Jordan Parlour, 28, who were sentenced to 38 months and 20 months in prison respectively for stirring up racial hatred on social media.
The watchdog has found that police were unprepared for the scale of disorder that broke out in parts of the UK and had missed opportunities to prepare for widespread disorder.
Sir Andy believes that some police forces have ‘exceptionally limited’ ability to deal with online posts due to a lack of resources.
He is calling for laws to be changed around inciting public disorder to further deter people from making misleading social media posts.
Filling the Information Void
Sir Andy believes that police should ‘fill the information void’ which enables disinformation to spread, so people can counter it with facts.
He says policing cannot be passive when public safety is at risk.
The Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services has published its second report on the police response to the riots, focusing on the impact of social media.
