Reacting to the Kier Starmer's speech on Monday about social
media misinformation, Science, Innovation and Technology
Committee Chair, MP, said:
“The headlines over the last couple of days illustrate how potent
misinformation on social media can be. Social media is a place
where one post, even if false, can be amplified to reach millions
of people.
“Last summer, false and harmful content spread across social
media caused violence on our streets. We shouldn't accept viral
misinformation – or the real-world harm it causes – as an
inevitable part of social media, and we must make sure that false
online content doesn't fuel violent attacks in the UK again.
“Following the riots, the Science, Innovation and Technology
Committee has launched an inquiry to examine how algorithms used
by social media platforms can spread false and harmful content. A
crucial part of this is hearing from leading social media
platforms, including X, and we have invited Mr Musk to appear
before the committee.
“This isn't about picking a fight with Mr Musk. We want to
understand the technology he has shaped and his views on X's
approach to misinformation and free speech. Rather than speak to
UK politicians through his X account, I hope that he will take up
our invitation and take the opportunity to engage with the
democratic process and give us his thoughts directly.
“If Mr Musk declines to come, the Committee hopes that a senior
representative of X can attend in his stead to give us clarity on
the company's use of algorithms.”
/ENDS
Notes to Editors:
- The Committee launched its social media, misinformation
and harmful algorithms inquiry in November 2024. During the
inquiry, the Committee will investigate the links between
algorithms used by social media and search engines to rank
content, generative AI, and the spread of harmful and false
content online.
