Social Media’s Role in Fueling UK Riots: Police Unprepared for Online Disinformation
A recent review of the UK riots last summer has revealed a significant gap in law enforcement’s ability to manage the risks posed by social media. The riots, sparked by a horrific stabbing incident in Southport, highlighted the speed and scale at which misinformation and disinformation can spread online, fueling public disorder. The report, released on Wednesday, criticized police forces for their lack of preparedness and inadequate investment in resources and technology to counter online narratives, leaving them struggling to respond effectively.
The review, conducted by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Andy Cooke, found that while the riots weren’t orchestrated by extremist groups, they were largely incited by individuals, influencers, and groups online. The report attributed the widespread disorder to a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, including social deprivation, austerity measures, economic downturn, political policies on migration and asylum, and declining public trust in policing. However, it emphasized the role of online content in exacerbating the situation. The sheer volume and velocity of misleading posts, often left unaddressed for extended periods, further inflamed tensions and contributed to the escalation of violence.
The report highlighted a critical deficiency in police capabilities to address the online dimension of the riots. Many forces lacked the necessary resources and expertise to effectively monitor, manage, and respond to online content. One communications head, quoted in the report, candidly admitted that police had "no proper answer" to the challenge of managing misinformation and disinformation. This lack of preparedness left law enforcement struggling to counter false narratives and control the spread of harmful content. The review found that police forces had not adequately prioritized intelligence gathering related to potential public disorder and failed to anticipate the rapid spread of violence fueled by online platforms.
Sir Andy Cooke called for greater accountability from social media companies, urging them to act swiftly in removing misleading posts. He also advocated for stronger regulatory powers for Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to compel these companies to take action. He emphasized that regardless of their country of origin, these platforms bear a responsibility to mitigate the spread of harmful content. Furthermore, he urged police chiefs to be more proactive in countering disinformation by publicly presenting factual information and engaging with communities online. The report noted that despite national assessments classifying the risk of unrest as "low," the disorder was, in fact, predictable, given previous incidents of attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers and the increasing volume of inflammatory and false claims circulating on social media.
The review revealed that police forces had still not implemented recommendations from previous reviews of public disorder in 2011 and 2021, further underscoring their lack of preparedness. Sir Andy Cooke pointed out the absence of clear communication plans, strategies to address disinformation, and mobilization plans to deploy resources effectively. These shortcomings hampered the police response and allowed the disorder to escalate. The report criticized the reactive approach adopted by law enforcement, with one senior intelligence officer describing the situation as "writing the manual as it happened."
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) responded to the report by arguing that it failed to accurately assess policing’s role in countering harmful online material and stressed the need for a coordinated, cross-government approach. NPCC chair Chief Constable Gavin Stephens emphasized that law enforcement should not be responsible for regulating online content, placing the onus on those posting information, platform providers, and regulatory bodies to ensure accuracy and prevent the spread of harmful narratives. He also defended the police media strategy, claiming that the report did not fully recognize its successes. While acknowledging the need for improvements, he asserted that strengthening intelligence alone was insufficient to address the risks posed by misinformation.
The review serves as a stark reminder of the evolving challenges facing law enforcement in the digital age. As social media continues to play an increasingly influential role in shaping public discourse and mobilizing action, the need for effective strategies to counter misinformation and disinformation becomes paramount. The report’s findings highlight the urgency for police forces to invest in resources, training, and technology to better understand and respond to the dynamics of online platforms and their potential impact on public order. A more proactive and coordinated approach, involving collaboration with social media companies, regulatory bodies, and communities, is essential to mitigate the risks posed by online misinformation and maintain public safety.