Was the murder of 3 innocent girls the reason or an excuse for protest? When does protest become a riot? What is the role of social media. A police spokesman was stating that social media does not create a problem, but is quick to fan it. With the profits they make I personally cannot see why companies like X and Meta should not have to follow normal laws of slander, libel amd obey the laws against racism and violence. There profits are huge and they have the technology to stop mis-information. Arguments by Elon Musk about freedom of speech are not valid when applied to civil society and the press – so why should the internet be excluded? Comparisson with totalitarian regeimes like China are not valid either. In the UK the courts play an important role in maintaining freedom of expression. The IT companies have the power to take down and block sites – and yes this might eat into their profits; during situations of stress like the present they could also delay posts until their algorithms have checked posts for obvious transgressions.
Also the press are overblowing the situation as usual – this I understand as it sells papers and increases their readership/viewers and thus advertising. However the numbers involved are relatively small – 90 arrests and maybe a few thousand relatively peaceful others. Maybe I could even concede that about 4 million voted Reform. I have stated that migration needs a sensible discussion. How Conservatives can use the present situation for their own political advancement is disgraceful.
Social media does seem to be responsible for the direction of hatred towards muslims – why are mosques being targeted – I suppose that other minority groups should be thankful? It was not long ago that landlords advertised “No Irish” or “No gays”. I would hope that the situation would have changed, but for the knuckle draggers – nothing changes – their ignorance is reinforced by social media and GBNews. How things have changed from the days of the drunk at the bar who was tolerated, but not liked (sympathy was with his family)!