The UK Government will soon compel social media companies to swiftly remove illegal content during periods of civil unrest, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed. This announcement, made on 10 June 2026, comes in response to recent riots in Belfast and aims to update the Online Safety Act to ensure platforms act faster to take down posts that incite violence during crises.
Ofcom, the communications regulator, has already issued warnings to platforms including X about compliance with these regulations.
New Online Safety Update
Kendall revealed the legislation ahead of its Parliamentary introduction next week. She said: “Those who use social media to incite violence and disorder are breaking the law. Next week we will lay in Parliament an update to the Online Safety Act requiring services to take quicker action to remove illegal content circulating during times of crisis.”
Belfast Riots Spark Action
The new legislation follows violent unrest triggered by a stabbing incident in Belfast on 8 June 2026. NHS radiographer Stephen Ogilvie was seriously injured in an attack by asylum seeker Hadi Alodid, who is charged with attempted murder and currently held in custody.
The stabbing led to two nights of rioting, with fires set to homes, vehicles, and businesses. Violence also spread to other cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Southampton.
Urgency Over Online Incitement
Supporters of the update argue that social media platforms have been too slow in removing inflammatory content during fast-moving crises. The Government describes the change as a targeted adjustment to existing law, designed to prevent violent disorder and the spread of hatred by enabling quicker removal of harmful content.
Criticism And Concerns
Opponents warn that the update risks suppressing legitimate debate on sensitive issues such as immigration and policing. Critics express concern that broad definitions of “illegal content” and “crisis” could be used by the Government and Ofcom to silence discussions on asylum policy and social matters.
Civil liberties groups caution that the changes could have a chilling effect on journalism and public discourse.
The Road Ahead
The measure is scheduled for Parliamentary scrutiny next week. The definitions and enforcement of “illegal content” and “crisis” will be crucial in determining whether these new powers effectively balance preventing violence with protecting free speech in the UK.
Originally published by UKNIP.
