TL;DR
X has agreed to new commitments with UK regulator Ofcom to better address illegal hate and terrorist content. The platform will assess most reports within 48 hours and work with experts, but details remain vague. The move is part of ongoing regulatory pressure.
British online safety regulator Ofcom has accepted new commitments from X to improve the platform’s handling of illegal hate and terror content in the UK. These measures include faster content assessment and cooperation with experts, marking a step forward amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Ofcom stated that X will withhold access to accounts reported for posting illegal terrorist content linked to UK terror groups. The platform has committed to assess at least 85 percent of hate and terror reports within 48 hours. Additionally, X will collaborate with external experts to improve reporting systems for illegal content and will submit quarterly performance data over the next year to demonstrate compliance.
This announcement follows a December investigation by Ofcom into whether social media platforms have effective systems to combat illegal hate speech and terrorist material. The regulator emphasized that while these commitments are positive, substantial work remains, especially given evidence that terrorist content persists on major platforms. Ofcom also noted its ongoing investigation into how X’s chatbot handles illegal content, after reports of non-consensual digital undressing using Grok.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it indicates increased regulatory pressure on social media platforms like X to actively combat illegal hate and terrorist content. The commitments could lead to fines or other sanctions if not met, impacting how platforms moderate content in the UK. It also reflects broader concerns about online safety and the effectiveness of current moderation practices.
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Background
In December 2023, Ofcom launched a compliance investigation into major social media platforms, including X, to assess their systems for handling illegal hate speech and terrorist content. This followed growing public and governmental concern over the spread of harmful material online. The investigation is part of a wider effort to enforce the UK’s online safety laws, which require platforms to take proactive steps to prevent illegal content from proliferating.
“These commitments are a step forward, but there’s a lot more to do. We have evidence that terrorist content and illegal hate speech is persisting on some of the largest social media sites. We are challenging them to tackle the problem and expect them to take firm action.”
— Oliver Griffiths, Ofcom’s online safety director
“We will continue to monitor and enforce compliance, including potential fines if platforms fail to uphold their commitments.”
— Ofcom spokesperson
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear how effective these commitments will be in practice, given the vague language about content review processes and the lack of detail on proactive content seeking. The ongoing investigation into X’s chatbot and other enforcement measures are still in progress, and it is not yet known whether these will lead to concrete sanctions or changes in platform policies.
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What’s Next
Next steps include Ofcom’s continued monitoring of X’s compliance, review of submitted quarterly data, and potential enforcement actions if commitments are not met. The regulator has indicated it will keep a close watch over the platform’s moderation efforts and may impose fines or other penalties in the future.
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Key Questions
What specific actions has X agreed to take?
X will withhold access to accounts reported for posting illegal terrorist content, assess at least 85% of hate and terror reports within 48 hours, and collaborate with external experts on reporting systems. The platform will also submit quarterly performance data to Ofcom.
Will these commitments eliminate all illegal hate and terror content?
It is unlikely that all illegal content will be eliminated immediately. The commitments are a step forward, but the effectiveness depends on enforcement and the platform’s ability to proactively identify and remove harmful material.
Is Ofcom planning to fine X if it fails to comply?
Yes, the commitments lay the groundwork for Ofcom to impose fines if X does not meet its obligations, although no fines have been announced yet.
What is still under investigation?
Ofcom’s ongoing investigation includes how X’s chatbot, Grok, handles illegal content, especially after reports of non-consensual digital undressing. The effectiveness of new commitments in addressing this issue remains to be seen.
