Anyone inciting violence online will face the full force of the law, warned the spokesman for the United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Keir Starmer after Elon Musk stated that a “civil war is inevitable” following several days of unrest in the UK.
Musk, the billionaire and owner of X, posted this comment on his social media under a video of rioters throwing fireworks at riot police.
“The law applies online too”
“There is no justification for such comments. Anyone inciting violence online will face the full force of the law,” said the Prime Minister’s spokesman, emphasizing that online platforms have a responsibility.
He added that during an emergency meeting yesterday morning, he told ministers and police chiefs that “the law applies online too.”
“So, if you incite violence, it doesn’t matter whether it’s online or offline. Therefore, I expect, as with those directly participating in the streets, there will be arrests and prosecutions. Similarly, anyone found to have committed a criminal offense online can expect the same response,” he said.
“Social media has provided a platform for this hatred”
The Prime Minister’s spokesman says the UK government is working with social media to ensure the removal of misinformation – but more could be done.
Social media is responsible for removing misinformation and will be held accountable, he added.
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology of the UK, Peter Kyle, said that responsibility for harmful content on social media “mainly lies with individuals and groups who create it.”
“But it is undeniable that social media has provided a platform for this hatred,” he added.
More than 400 people have been arrested since the unrest began last Tuesday following the arrest of Axel Rudakubana (17), who has been charged with the murder of three girls and ten additional attempted murders, N1 writes.
E.Dz.
