UK Parliament to Summon Elon Musk Over X’s Role in Social Media Controversies

[Social Media]

 

Members of Parliament are set to summon Elon Musk to testify about X’s involvement in spreading disinformation during the UK summer riots, as part of a broader inquiry into harmful social media content and the rise of AI-generated misinformation. The Commons science and technology select committee also plans to call senior executives from Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, and TikTok for questioning. The inquiry seeks to address concerns over social media's role in amplifying harmful content and the potential shortcomings of current online safety laws in an era of rapid technological advancements.

 

The hearings, scheduled for the new year, will explore the impact of generative AI on misinformation. One key focus is the dissemination of widely shared, AI-generated images on platforms like Facebook and X that incited Islamophobic protests following the tragic deaths of three schoolgirls in Southport last August. Additionally, MPs aim to scrutinize Silicon Valley business models that, according to Labour MP Chi Onwurah, chair of the select committee, “encourage the spread of content that can mislead and harm.” Onwurah expressed a keen interest in questioning Musk, stating, “I would certainly like the opportunity to cross-examine him to see … how he reconciles his promotion of freedom of expression with his promotion of pure disinformation.”

 

Musk, owner of X and a frequent critic of the UK government, notably expressed frustration at being excluded from a UK government international investment summit in September. Onwurah quipped that the inquiry could offer him a chance to make up for that perceived slight. However, whether Musk will appear remains uncertain. When asked about his potential testimony, X declined to comment. Musk’s recent rhetoric, such as labeling changes to UK inheritance tax policies as evidence that “Britain is going full Stalin” and suggesting that “civil war is inevitable” during the Southport riots, underscores his contentious relationship with UK authorities.

 

The inquiry comes amid significant shifts in the social media landscape. Millions of X users have migrated to Bluesky, a platform seen as a refuge for those disillusioned by X’s misinformation policies, the reinstatement of controversial figures like Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate, and service terms allowing AI training on user data. Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated no intention for his government to adopt Bluesky accounts, emphasizing that the goal is to communicate effectively with the public across platforms.

 

The Southport killings in July triggered a wave of misinformation on social media, including baseless accusations against a Muslim asylum seeker. Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, found platforms were used to spread hatred, provoke violence, and incite attacks on mosques and asylum accommodations. Lucy Connolly, for instance, was jailed for a racially inflammatory post on X calling for violence, though the platform determined her content did not violate its guidelines.

 

The inquiry will also examine AI’s role in perpetuating false claims, such as recent Google search overviews that regurgitated racist and debunked theories about African populations. Google acknowledged the violation of its policies and removed the offending material. Onwurah emphasized the committee’s determination to uncover the links between social media algorithms, generative AI, and the proliferation of harmful or false content.

 

Ofcom is set to publish new rules under the Online Safety Act next month, mandating that social media companies remove illegal material and address safety risks. These rules aim to mitigate harms such as incitement to violence and false communications intended to cause harm, marking a critical step in regulating the evolving digital landscape.

 

Based on a report by the Guardian 2024-11-22

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

20 minutes ago, Social Media said:

However, whether Musk will appear remains uncertain.

LOL LOL LOL.

 

I suppose there is a chance he'll turn up to mock them, but otherwise I doubt he cares what anyone in the UK government thinks.

Unless he chooses to turn up, the UK government will just look like the fools they are, raving impotently in an old building. Given he is such an important  Trump supporter, they'll get no assistance from Trump on the matter.

[thaibeachlovers]

25 minutes ago, Social Media said:

Ofcom is set to publish new rules under the Online Safety Act next month, mandating that social media companies remove illegal material and address safety risks.

That's a vague criteria and just whom is going to decide what is "illegal"?

 

We are entering dangerous times when the woke are going to be able to ban speech they don't like, under cover of BS regulations.

[RichardColeman]

Forgive me Labour, who will be responsible for pensioner deaths this year ? Elon or Starmer's actions ? 

 

As for what is true , Liebour seems to be being already dishonest in everything they do, say and reverse on

[JonnyF]

Labour embarrassing themselves again.

 

Yeah let's try and intimidate the world's richest man and bestie of the US President elect. That'll work. Maybe they can send the Met police to Washington to harrass him about a non crime hate incident? 

 

A live debate between Musk and Lammy would be good though 😆.