London (Parliament Politics Magzine) – Keir Starmer urged an inquiry into social media’s role in inciting violence amid recent riots.
Keir Starmer is under pressure to order an inquiry into social media platforms’ role in fuelling recent riots, with ministers claiming online posts acted as a “rocket booster” for the violence.
What did ministers and keir Starmer say about social media’s role in the riots?
Cabinet ministers have warned that social media, particularly posts from platforms like X (formerly Twitter), played a significant role in organizing and amplifying the unrest. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to keep police on high alert, with riot officers deployed to potential hotspots. Starmer also cautioned social media executives that they should be mindful of the real-world consequences of the content they host, asserting that those inciting violence online would face legal consequences.
What has the government proposed in response to the riots?
In response to the ongoing unrest, six thousand riot officers will be stationed across the country, and almost 600 arrests have been made. The police are also considering increasing patrols at lower league football matches due to concerns of further violence.
What do the Liberal Democrats say about social media’s responsibility?
The Liberal Democrats have called for a full inquiry to ensure lessons are learned and to prevent social media platforms from contributing to future violence. Christine Jardine, the party’s cabinet office spokesperson, emphasized that social media giants must be held accountable for their failure to prevent the spread of harmful content and criminal activity on their platforms.
What actions have been taken against individuals inciting violence?
A 28-year-old man, Jordan Parlour, was jailed for 20 months after being found guilty of stirring up racial hatred for using Facebook to incite violence against a hotel housing asylum seekers. This case highlights the growing scrutiny over online activity linked to real-world violence.
As tensions remain high, ministers are considering broader regulations and possible crackdowns on social media platforms to curb their role in exacerbating unrest.