The UK government is considering new measures to curb the spread of online misinformation during periods of public unrest, as ministers face growing concerns over the role of social media platforms in fuelling disorder.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government is examining additional safeguards following recent unrest in Southampton linked to the fatal stabbing of Henry Nowak, a case that has attracted significant attention online.
Speaking about the challenges posed by misinformation during crises, Kendall said: “I definitely think, particularly during moments of crisis and disorder and when public safety is important, we need to look at what more we can do.”
Her comments come amid renewed scrutiny of social media platforms and their role in amplifying false or misleading information during sensitive events.
Kendall pointed to recommendations from the Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, which previously called on media regulator Ofcom to introduce crisis response protocols that would hold platforms more accountable during emergencies.
The committee launched its investigation following the widespread unrest that followed the 2024 Southport murders, when misleading information rapidly spread across social media.
Its report found that “misleading and hateful messaging proliferated rapidly online, amplified by the recommendation algorithms of social media companies”.
Kendall said ministers are exploring ways to strengthen trusted sources of information and give users greater control over their online experience.
“We’re looking at not only boosting trusted sources of information, which I think is extremely important and there’s probably more we could do there,” she said.
“But also, you know, enabling people to reset their algorithms.”
“I think lots of people think they see this stuff coming towards them. And it should be much easier for people to say ‘let’s have a reset’.”
The government is facing increasing pressure to strengthen online safety regulations.
Chi Onwurah criticised the current framework, arguing that existing legislation fails to address the scale of the problem.
“The government must do more to stop the spread of misinformation online,” she said.
“Our current regulation just isn’t up to scratch.”
The debate has also intensified following criticism of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and his social media platform X.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently accused Musk of “interfering in our politics”, while Kendall said she would continue using the platform despite concerns.
“I understand my colleagues, why they don’t want to be there, but I didn’t want to be bullied off any platform,” she said.
“I’m going to get the government’s message out.”
“Because I want to say that this government stands for hope and not hate.”
Musk has repeatedly posted about the Nowak case to his large online audience, helping drive significant engagement around the issue.
Meanwhile, concerns over online content moderation continue to grow. Labour MP Jess Asato is pursuing legal action against Musk’s AI company over content generated by its Grok chatbot that was widely shared on X.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International has also previously argued that X’s recommendation algorithms contributed to a “staggering amplification of hate” following the Southport murders.
Kendall suggested the government may need to move faster when updating technology laws, warning that regulation often struggles to keep pace with rapidly evolving digital platforms.
“I think from the initial idea and discussion to implementation was eight years,” she said.
“It is a long time. It’s too long. It’s too slow. This technology is developing so rapidly.