X has agreed to implement a series of measures aimed at cracking down on terrorist content and illegal hate speech in the United Kingdom, following a spate of antisemitic attacks. The social media platform, owned by Elon Musk, will block access to accounts linked to proscribed terrorist groups in the UK and has committed to removing illegal hate and terror content within 24 hours, according to an update from the regulator Ofcom.
Ofcom's Demands and Commitments
Ofcom stated it possesses evidence of harmful and illegal content related to terrorism on the UK's largest social media platforms and expects technology companies to take firm action. Oliver Griffiths, Ofcom's Online Safety Group Director, emphasised that these commitments are particularly important after recent incidents targeting the Jewish community in the UK. Last month, two British Jews were stabbed in an attack in Golders Green, and in March, a suspected arson attack allegedly targeted Jewish community ambulances in north-west London.
Under the agreement, X will submit performance data to Ofcom on a quarterly basis over a 12-month period, which will be reviewed against online safety targets. Griffiths noted that following intensive engagement by Ofcom's online safety team, X has committed to implementing stronger protections for UK users, which will now be monitored closely.
Reactions and Ongoing Investigations
Danny Stone, chief executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, welcomed Ofcom's action, calling it a good start but adding that there is a lot more to do. He criticised X for failing in so many regards to tackle open racism on its platform. Stone highlighted the link between online harm and real-world consequences, expressing hope that Ofcom will hold X accountable for its promises.
Ofcom also confirmed that its investigation into Musk's AI tool Grok remains ongoing, amid allegations that women and girls were digitally stripped without their consent. X has been contacted for comment but has not yet responded.
