The UK's Online Safety Act (OSA) inadequately addresses algorithmically accelerated misinformation on social media, posing risks of violent incidents like the 2024 Southport riots. An inquiry by the Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee uncovered significant gaps in the OSA, emphasizing that even if the act were fully in force, it likely wouldn't have changed the outcomes during the riots. Factors leading to these shortcomings include ineffective misinformation measures and the business models of social media platforms. Recommendations include adopting new regulatory principles focused on safety, responsibility, and transparency.
The Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (SITC) has identified major holes in the UK's online safety regime when it comes to dealing with the viral spread of false or harmful content.
The SITC warned in a report that little evidence existed that the Online Safety Act would have made a difference during the Southport riots, citing weak misinformation-related measures.
SITC chair Chi Onwurah stated that the Online Safety Act isn't up to scratch, emphasizing the need for social media companies to be held accountable for the content they curate.
The SITC urged the government to adopt five principles as a foundation for future regulation: public safety, free and safe expression, responsibility, control of personal data, and transparency.
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