The social media platform X has come under fire for its lack of action against numerous posts containing racial slurs directed at British politicians, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. A report by the thinktank British Future revealed that despite multiple reports of hate speech, the platform has largely ignored calls to remove these offensive messages, raising concerns over its commitment to combating online racism.
A Disconcerting Trend of Racial Abuse
In May, British Future’s research team documented a troubling pattern of abuse on X, highlighting 30 instances where Badenoch was subjected to the N-word. This alarming data was part of a broader investigation into hate speech targeting various UK public figures, which included politicians like Shabana Mahmood and Zia Yusuf. Despite using the platform’s designated reporting channels for hate, abuse, or harassment, the overwhelming majority of these reports went unaddressed.
Avaes Mohammad, a researcher at British Future involved in the British South Asian Bridgers project, expressed frustration over X’s reporting process. “Many users instinctively report racist posts as ‘hate, abuse or harassment’, yet it appears that X does not classify them as such. Our findings suggest that only when a post is categorised as illegal will they consider taking action,” he stated. This raises significant questions about the platform’s effectiveness in managing hate speech.
The Online Safety Act and Platform Responsibilities
The UK’s Online Safety Act, which is in the process of being implemented by Ofcom, mandates that social media platforms take responsibility for removing illegal content, including racially aggravated posts. On 15 May, coinciding with Ofcom’s announcement that X had voluntarily committed to removing illegal content within 48 hours, British Future reported 33 instances of the P-word being used against various public figures. Yet, 48 hours later, none of these posts had been taken down.
When British Future sought clarification from X regarding the lack of action, the platform advised them to use a specific reporting tool for illegal content. This response highlights a systemic issue: posts reported as mere hate or abuse do not trigger the same urgency or scrutiny as those flagged as illegal.
A Pattern of Negligence
The inaction of X became increasingly evident as researchers noted that, following inquiries, the platform only restricted visibility for two of the 30 posts targeting Badenoch. This was only after Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, pointed out the absurdity of requiring detailed reporting for each instance of hate speech.
Further investigation revealed that X has allowed numerous abusive accounts to remain active, including one that repeatedly used the N-word in 45 separate tweets over a single week. British Future’s findings suggest a culture of impunity for users who engage in racist behaviour, with the platform’s policies enabling such content to thrive.
Regulatory Oversight and Future Implications
Ofcom has condemned all forms of racism and emphasised its role in ensuring social media platforms adhere to necessary regulations. The regulator has committed to quarterly reviews of X’s performance concerning its handling of suspected illegal content. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, especially as the platform continues to grapple with its reporting processes.
X’s reluctance to take robust action against abusive content raises significant concerns about its ability to create a safe online environment for all users. The platform’s apparent prioritisation of legal definitions over community standards may further alienate those seeking a safe space to engage in political discourse.
Why it Matters
The implications of X’s inaction are profound, not only for the individuals targeted by hate speech but also for the broader societal landscape. As political tensions rise and far-right narratives gain traction, the failure to adequately address online hate can embolden racists and undermine the very fabric of democratic discourse. This situation calls for urgent reforms in how social media platforms manage hate speech, ensuring that they fulfil their responsibilities to protect users from abuse and foster a more inclusive online community.
