Social media platforms like Facebook and X must adhere to UK laws, Science Secretary Peter Kyle has declared, following Meta’s controversial decision to relax fact-checking rules in the US. Speaking on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Kyle emphasized that the UK’s online safety laws require platforms to remove illegal content, regardless of policy changes elsewhere.
“If you come and operate in this country, you abide by the law, and the law says illegal content must be taken down,” Kyle said. His comments come after Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, announced that the company’s US-based shift would result in fewer content removals, potentially allowing some harmful material to slip through.
Families and Campaigners Call for Stricter Online Safety Rules
Ian Russell, father of Molly Russell—a 14-year-old who tragically took her own life after viewing harmful content online—has urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to tighten internet safety regulations. Speaking out on Saturday, Russell criticized tech giants like Meta and X for what he called a shift toward a “laissez-faire, anything-goes model.”
“These companies are moving back toward the harmful content that Molly was exposed to,” he warned. Russell’s calls echo the sentiments of online safety campaigners who argue that gaps in current UK laws leave harmful content like live streams and self-harm promotion inadequately regulated.
A Meta spokesperson defended the company, stating, “There is no change to how we treat content that encourages suicide, self-injury, and eating disorders.” The spokesperson added that automated systems would continue to scan for high-severity content.
Online Safety Act Under Scrutiny
The Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, was initially set to require social media platforms to remove “legal-but-harmful” content, including posts promoting eating disorders. However, following backlash over concerns about censorship, the requirement was dropped for adult users, leaving companies to provide filtering tools for managing unwanted content. The act still mandates robust protections for children against such harmful material.
Kyle acknowledged the act’s limitations, describing existing laws as “uneven” and “unsatisfactory.” He expressed frustration over the removal of the “legal-but-harmful” provision but emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing age-appropriate content and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Government Promises Stronger Enforcement and Faster Adaptation
Kyle assured the public that companies failing to meet the law’s requirements would face “very strident” penalties. He also highlighted the need for Parliament to adapt faster to emerging technologies, adding that he remains “very open-minded” about introducing new legislation.
In the coming months, the government is expected to implement additional powers to ensure online platforms are safeguarding users, especially children. “We must assertively tackle these safety concerns,” Kyle said, signaling a strong stance on holding tech companies accountable.
