UK MPs are gearing up to summon Elon Musk for testimony in a parliamentary inquiry about the role of social media in fueling anti-mass migration protests following a deadly stabbing spree in Southport this summer.
The violence, which left three young girls dead, sparked riots and protests against Britain’s mass migration policies. While speculations about the attacker’s identity ran wild on social media, politicians and media outlets blamed “disinformation” for escalating the situation.
Initially, some online posts suggested the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker, but it later emerged that the suspect, Axel Rudakubana, was born in Wales to Rwandan migrants. Rudakubana has since been charged with terror-related offenses, including possession of an Al-Qaeda training manual and ricin production, raising questions about the government’s handling of the case.
Despite the fact that disinformation may not have been the primary cause of the violence, British authorities are still focusing on the role of social media in inciting the protests. In addition to Musk, MPs plan to call executives from Meta, Instagram, and TikTok for questioning. Chi Onwurah, Labour MP and chair of the committee, emphasized that the inquiry aims to explore the links between social media algorithms, AI, and the spread of harmful content.
Onwurah expressed interest in cross-examining Musk, particularly regarding his stance on freedom of expression versus promoting disinformation. Musk, however, has been outspoken about his concerns with the UK’s speech restrictions. Earlier this year, he warned against visiting the UK, citing its strict laws on social media posts and the release of convicted offenders.
Though UK officials can’t force Musk to attend, the Online Safety Act 2023 grants the government the power to impose hefty fines on social media companies for violating vague “harm” standards. However, experts believe that the government may tread lightly, given Musk’s close ties to incoming US President Donald Trump, whose relationship with the UK Labour Party is strained.
Veteran Labour strategist Peter Mandelson advised the UK government to mend ties with Musk, recognizing his influential role in the tech and business world. He cautioned against continuing a feud with such a prominent figure, stating that Britain cannot afford to ignore Musk’s impact on the global stage.
