We are facing a crisis – and one threatening democracy itself.
Elon Musk’s actions on social media and the inaction of tech giants like Meta has seen disinformation spread rapidly. This isn’t just about viral conspiracy theories or misleading tweets; the damage is far deeper and more widespread than we realise.
Musk’s influence has grown well beyond his role as the CEO of a tech company – he’s now a global figure shaping political discourse, societal narratives, and artificial intelligence.
His recent moves, such as the dismantling of USAID and his bid to buy OpenAI, highlight the concentration of power in his hands. These developments should make us all pause and reflect on the significant impact this one individual is having on our society.
During the 2024 General Election, while campaigning in Islington North, I saw firsthand how disinformation divides communities, quickly seeping from online into the real world.
False claims on platforms like Musk’s X (formerly Twitter), undermine democracy’s integrity and cause real harm.
Musk’s decisions, from promoting conspiracy theories to minimising moderation on his platform, show how one individual’s reach can destabilise political discourse and deepen divisions.
His new direction for X has amplified disinformation, allowing unfounded claims to flourish unchecked.
And his closeness to Donald Trump is influencing others to drop their safeguards, with Meta, owners of Facebook and Instagram, deciding to remove fact-checkers in the US. It reflects how the business model of social media companies is becoming intertwined with a fractured, divisive environment.
Musk’s unchecked power has broader consequences too. His controversial remarks and support for extremist figures deepen societal divides.
These words don’t just stir online debates; they fuel real-world consequences, inflaming tensions.
His growing influence on public figures, including politicians across the UK, is reshaping conversations that should be led by facts, not fiction. Disinformation is not harmless – it is putting democracy at risk.
The recent controversy in Southport highlights just how dangerous misinformation can be. A completely false claim can quickly spread online, leading to confusion and public outrage. This case underscores how easily fabricated stories can gain traction, damaging reputations and endangering lives before the truth has a chance to emerge.
The real-world consequences of toxic misinformation are undeniable. Lies online feed absurd and sometimes violent behaviour in the real world. Politicians in the UK are increasingly targeted by online lies, leading to threats, harassment, and physical attacks.
So, what can we do about it? The answer lies in holding tech giants accountable.
Platforms like Meta and X must take proactive measures against disinformation, not just reactive ones after the damage is done. We must also address the unchecked influence of billionaires like Musk, whose sway over public opinion is dangerously unregulated.
To do this, we need a comprehensive, robust response that treats disinformation as a direct threat to democracy itself, not as a secondary issue.
The Online Safety Act is a step in the right direction, creating a framework for regulating online platforms. The recent case of the Southport terrorist who was radicalised by violent online content demonstrates how much this is needed.
Ofcom gave social media companies until March this year to review the risk of illegal content on their platform, and start implementing safety measures to mitigate those risks.
But the Act doesn’t go far enough – while there is a long list of illegal content covered, including foreign interference, there is no mention of electoral offences such as disinformation.
And rumours that the Government may be considering watering down the Act in exchange for a tariff deal with Trump do nothing to alleviate the anxieties of online safety campaigners. American tech bros like Musk should not be allowed to ride roughshod over our laws, and the Government should stand firm.
Given the massive influence social media now holds, regulation must match its reach and impact. The UK is in a new era, where digital platforms have far more influence than traditional media, yet they must not remain the least regulated spaces.
We’re already seeing how online lies lead to offline consequences. Misinformation doesn’t stay confined to the digital world; it fuels violent behaviour and deepens political divides.
We can no longer afford to ignore how disinformation is eroding the very fabric of democracy. The time to act is now – because truth matters.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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