Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, sent an open letter to major social networks reminding them of legal duties under the Online Safety Act 2023. The memo stresses that platforms must assess and mitigate illegal activity, including hate speech and content that could provoke violence. Guidance outlines what counts as illegal, aiming to curb the spread of incendiary material.

The reminder follows unrest in Belfast after a knife attack on a Dublin man, which far‑right figures turned into an anti‑immigration rally. Masked rioters torched homes in immigrant‑dense areas, and disinformation about the incident proliferated on X. Elon Musk amplified the narrative, retweeting accounts that blamed immigration policy and urged harsh measures.

Platforms had pledged in May to curb hate and terror content, but Ofcom’s letter arrives as the regulator prepares stricter safety rules for crisis‑driven spikes in illegal material. Meta’s recent legal challenge to Ofcom’s penalty regime underscores industry pushback. The regulator’s reminder signals that non‑compliance could trigger enforcement, forcing firms to tighten moderation pipelines now.

For users, the regulator’s pressure means more aggressive removal of posts that incite hatred or spread false narratives about immigration. Brands advertising on these platforms may face reduced reach if content is flagged. Ultimately, Ofcom aims to ensure that social media does not become a catalyst for further violence in a volatile political climate.