Full Breakdown
UK Government Considers New Measures to Counter Misinformation on Social Media During Crises
6/7/2026, 12:23:13 AM
Government Initiative to Curb Crisis-Era Misinformation
On 5 June 2026, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced a review to stop misinformation on social-media during crises. It follows rioting in Southampton after police handling of Henry Nowak’s fatal stabbing, repeatedly posted on Musk’s X. Kendall said the review will explore boosting sources and letting users reset algorithms. Ofcom has begun a consultation on “crisis response protocols”, with details due later this month.
Recent Unrest and the Role of Online Platforms
The debate involves Liz Kendall, Elon Musk—owner of X with 240 million followers—and the Commons science, innovation and technology committee chaired by MP Chi Onwurah. The 2024 committee report after Southport riots warned that misleading, hateful messaging spread rapidly, amplified by recommendation algorithms. Keir Starmer accused Musk of “interfering in our politics”. MP Jess Asato is suing Musk’s xAI over sexualised Grok AI content. Amnesty International said X’s algorithms caused a “staggering amplification of hate” after Southport murders. Kendall’s X post on a university visit received 5,500 views and eight shares.
Government Position and Policy Review
Kendall said the government aims to promote hope rather than hate and expressed strong concern about social-media’s role in disorder. She criticised the Online Safety Act as too long and too slow, noting an eight-year gap between conception and implementation while technology evolves rapidly. Kendall added the government is exploring ways to boost trusted sources and enable algorithm resets. The prime minister praised Asato’s legal action, describing it as correct. Ofcom’s consultation seeks crisis-response protocols to hold platforms accountable for misinformation.
Criticism and Opposition
Chi Onwurah argued that the Online Safety Act remains woefully inadequate and riddled with regulatory gaps, noting that most committee recommendations have been rejected. Amnesty International linked X’s algorithmic design to amplified hate speech after the Southport murders. Keir Starmer accused Musk of interfering in politics, adding a political dimension. Asato’s lawsuit underscores concerns about AI-generated harmful content on X.
Regulatory Gaps and Conflicting Reports
The committee noted that the Online Safety Act was not fully in force during the 2024 Southport riots, limiting its ability to curb misinformation. While the government called the committee’s findings “excellent”, no legislative changes have been made, leaving a gap between identified risks and regulatory response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ Chi Onwurah, the chair of the committee, said: “The government must do more to stop the spread of misinformation online.” — Chi Onwurah, Chair, Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
- “My committee’s report found the Online Safety Act to be woefully inadequate and riddled with regulatory gaps – yet most of our recommendations for how to improve this were rejected.” — Chi Onwurah
- “Because I want to say that this government stands for hope and not hate.” — Liz Kendall, Technology Secretary
- “interfering in our politics” — Keir Starmer, Labour Party Leader
Upcoming Regulatory Actions
Ofcom is expected to release guidance on crisis-response protocols in June, obligating platforms to act swiftly against misinformation. The review will consider boosting verified sources and allowing algorithmic resets during emergencies. Parliamentary scrutiny of the Online Safety Act’s scope is anticipated, though a timetable for amendment remains unclear.
