Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, is urging people to consider leaving the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, due to its role in fueling recent right-wing rioting across the country. Rotheram highlighted the negative impact of the platform on communities, particularly in regions like Southport and Liverpool, where violence and disorder erupted.
Speaking to Politics Home, Mayor Rotheram described X as “vile” and emphasized the need for a different platform that does not promote hatred and incite violence. He expressed concerns about the growing influence of far-right groups on the platform in the absence of counter-narratives from others. Rotheram called for stricter regulation of social media companies, suggesting that the Online Safety Act may need to be revisited to address the escalating issues.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also acknowledged the need for stronger action against social media companies following their role in exacerbating recent unrest. He emphasized the importance of ensuring community safety and security, noting that individuals involved in inciting violence will be held accountable under the law. Starmer’s comments come in the midst of escalating tensions between tech leaders like Elon Musk and political figures like himself.
In response to the growing concerns, Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has engaged with tech companies to emphasize their responsibility in curbing the spread of misinformation and incitement on their platforms. Meetings have been held to address the issue, with further discussions planned for the future to ensure a collaborative approach in tackling online harms.
While there has been a de-escalation of disorder in recent days, government officials remain vigilant and committed to maintaining community safety. Prime Minister Starmer has canceled his summer holiday to focus on addressing the ongoing challenges and working towards a safer environment for all. The swift response from law enforcement and the judiciary has led to several arrests and prosecutions, sending a strong message that illegal behavior will not be tolerated.
As the debate around social media regulation continues, it is clear that a collective effort is needed to address the harmful impact of online platforms on society. The calls for stricter controls and accountability from tech companies reflect a growing recognition of the need to safeguard communities from the negative consequences of online extremism and misinformation. Moving forward, collaborative actions between government, law enforcement, and tech industry stakeholders will be essential in creating a safer digital environment for everyone.