Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has launched a blistering attack on social media platforms, singling out X (formerly Twitter) for its failure to curb online abuse and misinformation. In a speech delivered on Thursday, Nandy warned that the government will not hesitate to use the full force of the Online Safety Act to hold tech giants accountable.
Nandy's Warning to Tech Giants
Speaking at the Royal Television Society's Cambridge Convention, Nandy said: "For too long, social media companies have prioritised profit over people. The Online Safety Act gives us the tools to change that, and we will use them." She highlighted that the act, which received royal assent in October 2023, is designed to make platforms responsible for illegal and harmful content.
Nandy specifically criticised X for its approach to content moderation under Elon Musk's ownership. She noted that since Musk's takeover, reports of hate speech and disinformation on the platform have surged. According to data from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate, hateful content directed at ethnic minorities increased by 50% in the first six months after Musk's acquisition.
Rise in Abuse and Misinformation
The Culture Secretary pointed to several high-profile incidents where false information spread rapidly on social media, including during the recent UK riots and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. She argued that algorithms amplifying divisive content are undermining democratic discourse. "The business model of outrage is poisoning our public square," Nandy stated.
In response to questions about potential platform bans, Nandy indicated that the government is considering all options, including fines of up to 10% of global turnover for non-compliance. She also called for greater transparency from platforms about their content moderation practices.
Industry Reaction
The tech industry has pushed back against Nandy's comments. A spokesperson for X said the platform has invested heavily in safety tools and automated detection systems. "We remain committed to free speech while tackling illegal activity," the spokesperson added. Meta and Google, which own Facebook and YouTube respectively, have also defended their moderation records.
However, campaign groups have welcomed Nandy's tough stance. "This is a watershed moment for online safety," said Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate. "The government must now follow through with robust enforcement."
Next Steps for the Online Safety Act
Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, is currently consulting on draft codes of practice for the Online Safety Act. These codes will set out how platforms must tackle illegal content, including terrorism and child sexual abuse material, as well as legal but harmful content affecting adults. Final codes are expected to be published later this year, with enforcement beginning in 2025.
Nandy concluded her speech by reaffirming the government's commitment to making the UK the safest place to be online. "We will not shy away from taking on the tech giants. The era of self-regulation is over," she said.
