Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, has committed to implementing stronger measures to combat terrorist content and illegal hate speech in the UK, following intensive engagement with regulator Ofcom. The platform has agreed to block access to accounts linked to proscribed terrorist groups in the UK and to remove illegal hate and terror content within 24 hours.
Ofcom’s Demands and X’s Commitments
These commitments are deemed “particularly important” by Ofcom, following a series of antisemitic incidents in the UK, including stabbings and a suspected arson attack targeting the Jewish community. Ofcom will closely monitor X's compliance by requiring the platform to submit quarterly performance data over a 12-month period, which will be reviewed against online safety targets.
Reactions to the Agreement
While Ofcom's Online Safety Group Director, Oliver Griffiths, called this a “step forward”, the chief executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, Danny Stone, welcomed the action but criticised X for “failing in so many regards to tackle open racism on its platform.” The agreement marks a significant development in the UK’s ongoing efforts to regulate online content and protect users from harmful material.
