Recent events have highlighted the destructive power of disinformation on our society. The tragic attack in Southport on July 29th was quickly followed by a flood of misinformation on social media regarding the suspect's background and religion. This disinformation is widely believed to have fueled far-right riots across the UK, leading to violence and fear within our communities. 

 

These events have left many feeling unsafe, as violence erupted on streets across Britain. It has never been more important that we come together to prevent such scenes from recurring. 

 

Although the UK’s Online Safety Act became law last year, its full implementation has yet to take effect. This delay has hindered efforts to regulate social media platforms and hold them accountable for their role in spreading harmful content that contributed to recent unrest. 

 

We at the Keeping Digital Foundation urge the UK Government to not only expedite the enforcement of the Online Safety Act but also to commit to updating the national curriculum. It is essential that young people are equipped with the skills needed to recognise misinformation online. 

 

While current school programs teach critical thinking and online safety, they often fail to address the complexities of today’s digital landscape. The rapid spread of misleading headlines, fake news websites, and unverified claims demands a more robust educational approach. 

 

We believe that integrating media literacy into the curriculum—from primary through secondary education—will empower students to detect and challenge misinformation. This initiative will enhance their overall digital literacy, complementing traditional subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Design. 

 

Furthermore, we call on the Government to enforce stricter regulations on social media platforms, ensuring they are held accountable for the removal of content that could incite violence. The platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has recently introduced Community Notes, a feature that allows users to fact-check posts. While this is a step in the right direction, it is not enough. X must improve its mechanisms for reporting, detecting, and deleting false information. 

 

Most concerning is the behavior of X’s owner, Elon Musk, who has been accused of amplifying disinformation under the guise of free speech. His recent posts about the UK have contributed to the divisive atmosphere online, which only exacerbates the spread of harmful content. 

 

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right that must be upheld, but it comes with responsibilities—especially for social media platforms. It is crucial that these platforms are held accountable for the role they play in the spread of disinformation.