UK platforms warned as regulator confirms link between disinformation online and riots
( October 22, 2024, 16:57 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: UK social media platforms will "need to address" questions over how illegal content and disinformation spread and proliferated on their services during riots across the country this summer, the online safety regulator has said, concluding that posts "appear to have contributed" to the spread of violent clashes. Ofcom said that misleading or maliciously published posts reaching "millions of users" highlighted risks of "virality and algorithmic recommendations." The regulator warned that companies' responses were "uneven," listing a number of outstanding questions to platforms that they should consider before new illegal harms obligations under the Online Safety Act kick in.A statement from Ofcom's online safety group director posted on LinkedIn follows. The letter is attached....
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