Elon Musk faced harsh criticism from prominent users on his platform after getting involved in the recent riots in parts of England and Northern Ireland. The billionaire was accused of seeking attention and being a PR manager for the far-right, using controversy to boost engagement on his platform.
In a heated exchange with Sir Keir Starmer, Musk referred to the Prime Minister as “Two-tier Keir” and expressed his disapproval of the government’s handling of the ongoing disorder in the country. He shared various images, videos, and memes related to the riots, some of which were widely circulated on right-wing accounts.
Right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, commended Musk for allowing him back on the platform after being banned for violating hate speech rules. Social media expert Matt Navarra criticized Musk for his attention-seeking behavior, stating that his actions could have a negative impact on his business.
Critics, including Piers Morgan and Alastair Campbell, accused Musk of transforming into an “anarcho-capitalist narcissist with fascist leanings”. The spread of disinformation on social media platforms was highlighted by Pat de Brun, deputy director of tech at Amnesty International, who pointed out that algorithms prioritize engagement, leading to the amplification of xenophobic discourse.
The racist violence in the UK was attributed to intense scapegoating of refugees and migrants by politicians and others, fueled by dangerous rhetoric and policies. Social media algorithms were described as incendiaries that promote division, disinformation, and hate due to their focus on engagement above all else.
Despite calls for a response regarding the Southport attacks and misinformation on the platform, X has remained silent. The incident involving the wife of a Tory councillor, who was arrested for advocating setting migrant hotels on fire, further underscores the impact of inflammatory rhetoric online.
