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A UK government social media inquiry is expected to summon Elon Musk to testify about X’s role in spreading disinformation, according to a report.
The Guardian states senior executives from Meta and TikTok are also expected to be called for questioning as part of a Science, Innovation and Technology select committee social media inquiry.
The inquiry officially opened on November 20 and will investigate the relationship between algorithms used by social media and search engines, generative AI, and the spread of harmful and false content online.
We've launched a new inquiry into #SocialMedia, #misinformation, and the role of #algorithms.
— Science, Innovation and Technology Committee (@CommonsSITC) November 20, 2024
The Committee says this follows a “wave of anti-immigration demonstrations and riots in July and August 2024, with some protests targeting mosques or hotels housing asylum seekers.
“These are believed to have been partially driven by false claims spread on social media platforms about the killing of three children in Southport.”
It is the first inquiry of the newly appointed Commons Committee and they will look at the effectiveness of current and proposed regulation for these technologies including the UK Online Safety Act. They will look to see what further measures might be needed.
Social media inquiry by UK government will assess harmful content
The Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Chi Onwurah MP, said: “The violence we saw on UK streets this summer has shown the dangerous real-world impact of spreading misinformation and disinformation across social media.
Elon Musk fires back at reports that he will be summoned by British MPs to the UK to explain himself before them over “disinformation”:
“They will be summoned to the United States of America to explain their censorship and threats to American citizens.” pic.twitter.com/VsUogP1OIn
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) November 20, 2024
“We shouldn’t accept the spread of false and harmful content as part and parcel of using social media. It’s vital that lessons are learned, and we ensure it doesn’t fuel riots and violence on our streets again.”
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