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Anyone whipping up violence online will face the full force of the law, the prime minister’s spokesman has warned after Elon Musk said “civil war is inevitable” following days of rioting in the UK.
Musk, the billionaire owner of X, made the comments on the social media platform below a video of rioters setting off fireworks at police.
“There is no justification for comments like that,” Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said.
“Anyone who is whipping up violence online will face the full force of the law.
“Online platforms have a responsibility.”
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Earlier, Sir Keir said he had told ministers and police chiefs at an emergency COBRA meeting on Monday that “the law applies online”.
“So, if you’re inciting violence, it doesn’t matter whether it’s online or offline,” he added.
“And therefore I expect, just as in relation to those that are directly participating on the streets, for there to be arrests and charging and prosecution.
“Equally, anyone who has been found to have committed a criminal offence online can expect the same response.”
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Rioters throw burning bin into hotel
The PM’s spokesman said the government is working with social media platforms to ensure disinformation is removed – but more could be done.
Social media companies have a responsibility to ensure disinformation is removed, and they will be held to account, he added.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said responsibility for harmful…
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