UK regulator Ofcom orders tech firms to prepare for illegal content surges during crises after Southport riots
By
CNA
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Summary
Britain's media regulator Ofcom has announced new rules requiring tech firms to have plans for responding to surges in illegal content during crises that threaten public safety. The measures come in response to the 2024 Southport riots, where nationwide violence erupted after a knife attack killed three young girls. Authorities determined that inflammatory and misleading content circulating widely online had fueled the unrest. Social media and other tech platforms will now need to demonstrate preparedness for such content spikes.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledTech firms in Britain will need to have plans to respond to surges in illegal content during crises such as the 2024 Southport riots which threaten public safety under strengthened rules set out by the regulator on Tuesday.
Nationwide violence broke out two years ago following a knife attack in the northern England city of Southport, which left three young girls dead at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.
Authorities said inflammatory and misleading content circulating widely online had fuelled that unrest.
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