The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has come under scrutiny for its failure to address a significant number of posts reported for hate speech, particularly against high-profile UK politicians. A recent investigation by the think tank British Future revealed that numerous instances of racial abuse directed at Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and other public figures were largely ignored, raising serious concerns about the platform’s commitment to combating online hate.
Inaction on Hate Speech Reports
British Future’s analysis highlighted 30 instances where Kemi Badenoch was subjected to racial slurs, specifically the N-word, through posts reported using X’s hate speech reporting feature. Despite these reports, X took little action, responding to only a fraction of the cases. This pattern suggests a troubling trend where the platform prioritises its operational policies over the urgent need to protect individuals from hate speech.
Avaes Mohammad, a researcher with British Future’s British South Asian Bridgers project, expressed frustration, stating, “Many people will intuitively report racist posts as ‘hate, abuse or harassment,’ but it seems X doesn’t consider it as hate. Our research found that it was only when a post is described as illegal that they will consider taking it down.” This indicates a disconnect between user expectations and the platform’s handling of reported content.
The Role of the Online Safety Act
The UK’s Online Safety Act, which mandates social media platforms to remove illegal content, has been in the spotlight as X’s policies come under fire. While the Act aims to hold platforms accountable for the moderation of harmful content, X appears to only enforce action when posts are reported as illegal rather than merely abusive. This selective enforcement has left many instances of hate speech unaddressed.
On 15 May, coinciding with Ofcom’s announcement of X’s voluntary commitment to remove illegal content within a 48-hour timeframe, British Future reported a staggering 33 instances of the P-word being used against public figures. Yet, 48 hours later, none of the flagged content had been removed. The platform’s suggestion to report posts as ‘UK illegal content’ for expedited review underscores its restrictive approach to moderation.
Political Reaction and Implications
The inaction of X has drawn criticism not only from researchers but also from political leaders. Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, recently accused Elon Musk of fostering division through his posts, further complicating the narrative around X’s handling of politically charged content. Starmer’s comments suggest that the problem extends beyond individual posts; it points to a broader cultural issue within the platform, exacerbated by Musk’s ownership since 2022.
The disconcerting reality is that the accounts responsible for the abusive tweets remain active, with one account reportedly using the N-word 45 times in a single week without facing any consequences. British Future’s findings indicate that racists are operating with a sense of impunity on X, particularly as far-right sentiments appear to gain traction on the platform.
Regulatory Oversight and Future Action
Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, stated its commitment to ensure that platforms like X adhere to their obligations under the Online Safety Act, asserting that it condemns racism “in all its forms.” The regulator emphasised the importance of having appropriate measures in place to tackle illegal content, while maintaining that it cannot dictate the specifics of content removal.
Despite X’s assurances of reviewing reports through its dedicated illegal content tool, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable. As Ofcom plans quarterly reviews of X’s performance, the pressure mounts for the platform to demonstrate tangible improvements in its moderation policies.
Why it Matters
The current situation on X serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by social media platforms in managing hate speech and protecting users from online abuse. As UK politicians increasingly become targets of racial slurs, the need for effective moderation and accountability is paramount. The implications of X’s inaction extend beyond individual cases of abuse; they reflect a broader societal issue concerning the safety and dignity of public discourse in the digital age. If platforms fail to act decisively against hate, they risk enabling a culture of intolerance that can have far-reaching consequences for democracy and social cohesion.
