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Ofcom has found a direct link between the violent protests in England and Northern Ireland during the summer and the influence of social media and messaging apps.
In a recent report, Ofcom revealed that illegal content and misinformation spread rapidly online following a stabbing incident in Southport, leading to widespread unrest.
Despite some platforms acting swiftly, Ofcom criticized the inconsistent response from certain companies in addressing harmful content.
Enhanced powers under the Online Safety Act will give Ofcom greater authority to hold tech firms accountable for tackling disinformation and protecting users from harmful content.
The unrest in August 2024 resulted in numerous arrests and legal actions, highlighting the importance of regulating online platforms in times of crisis.
Political figures and tech leaders clashed over the responsibility of social media platforms in such situations, with calls for increased action to prevent the spread of divisive narratives online.
