Ofcom warns of riots

In response to recent riots in the UK, Ofcom has urged social media platforms to proactively address the spread of incitement and hate speech, emphasizing the need for immediate action rather than waiting for the full implementation of the Online Safety Act, which may not take effect until 2025. The regulator highlighted that existing regulations require platforms to protect users from videos that incite violence or hatred, especially following the unrest fueled by misinformation regarding a fatal stabbing incident. Ofcom's group director, Gill Whitehead, stressed the urgency for platforms to enhance their moderation systems to prevent the spread of harmful content. Meanwhile, politicians, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have condemned the prevalence of fake news and misinformation circulating online, urging social media companies to take responsibility. The situation has escalated to calls for Parliament to reconvene to scrutinize government efforts in combating misinformation. In a related development, Telegram announced plans to remove posts inciting violence and employ AI tools for better monitoring.