Government ministers are set to review the Online Safety Act following concerns raised by London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has criticized the legislation as “not fit for purpose” in addressing the spread of misinformation.
This misinformation, Khan argued, played a significant role in the recent far-right riots in the capital.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the paymaster general, acknowledged the mayor’s concerns, calling them a “legitimate policy challenge” and signaling that the government is prepared to consider amendments to the act.
Khan has called for a swift review of the legislation, expressing doubt about its effectiveness.
“I think very swiftly the government has realized there needs to be amendments to the Online Safety Act,” Khan said. “I think what the government should do very quickly is check if it is fit for purpose. I think it’s not fit for purpose.”
Thomas-Symonds responded by assuring that the government is ready to “quickly review and consider” the act.
He also emphasized that law enforcement would continue to pursue individuals who use online platforms to incite violence. “If we need to act in relation to online safety laws, we will,” he stated.
“Sadiq Khan’s challenge is that we quickly review it, consider it, and that’s exactly what we will do. But irrespective of that policy debate, people who are acting now doing illegal things online like inciting violence, encouraging violence, and organizing violence, that is against the law now, and if you are doing that now, just as if you are engaging in threats or violent disorders on our streets, the police will come after you.”
Thomas-Symonds
Online Safety Act Faces Growing Scrutiny
The Online Safety Act, which became law last October, grants Ofcom the authority to fine social media companies up to £18 million or 10% of their global turnover if they fail to take adequate action against content that incites violence or terrorism.
However, the implementation of the law is still in progress. Ofcom is currently drafting guidelines, with enforcement not expected to begin until next year.
In the meantime, authorities are relying on the 1986 Public Order Act to tackle online incitement, a law that predates social media by decades and requires police to monitor digital platforms for potential violations.
Khan has also pointed out the role that social media companies themselves should play in curbing the spread of false information.
While he stopped short of advocating for a boycott of platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), he underscored the importance of politicians engaging with the electorate through these channels, especially in the face of fear-mongering tactics.
“That was an argument made many years ago about some newspapers, and the reality is it’s our job as politicians to reach the electorate – particularly the case when you’ve got people playing on people’s fears. One of the ways we can address people’s fears is using the medium that’s used by citizens, and that is social media platforms. Boycotting a platform … you can’t cut off your nose to spite your face.”
Sadiq Khan
He further warned that if social media companies do not take responsibility for regulating harmful content, they should expect government intervention. “If they don’t sort their own house out, regulation is coming,” Khan stated.
As such, as the debate over the effectiveness of the Online Safety Act continues, the government’s willingness to reassess the legislation reflects a growing recognition of the challenges posed by digital misinformation and the need for robust measures to ensure online safety.
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