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Misinformation: Comment from Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Chair, Chi Onwurah MP

8 January 2025

Reacting to the Keir Starmer’s speech on Monday about social media misinformation, Science, Innovation and Technology Committee Chair, Chi Onwurah 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.” 

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Image: House of Commons