X to block UK access to accounts linked to terrorist groups in Ofcom agreement

Elon Musk’s social media platform X has agreed to block UK access to accounts linked to banned terrorist groups as part of a new commitment with the UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom. The platform will also review suspected illegal terrorist and hate content within 48 hours and consult experts on handling user reports. Ofcom emphasized that these measures are designed to strengthen protections for UK users and will be closely monitored. The agreement comes amid growing concerns over the spread of terrorist and hate material online, particularly following a rise in hate crimes against the UK’s Jewish community. Under the terms, X must block access to accounts posting illegal terrorist content connected to proscribed organizations and ensure that at least 85% of flagged illegal terrorist and hate content is reviewed promptly. This initiative aligns with the UK’s Online Safety Act, which seeks to shield people from harmful and illegal online content. Ofcom’s online safety director, Oliver Griffiths, highlighted the importance of these commitments after intensive engagement with X. However, some experts remain cautious. Danny Stone, chief executive of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, described the agreement as a “good start” but noted ongoing failures by X in tackling racism on its platform. Meanwhile, Adam Hadley from Tech Against Terrorism praised the deal as a positive example of cooperation between regulators and social media companies. X has faced persistent criticism over content moderation since Elon Musk’s $44 billion acquisition in 2022, when the platform was still known as Twitter. Ofcom is also investigating the use of Musk’s Grok AI tool on X, which has been used to create manipulated images depicting women and girls inappropriately. The regulator’s ongoing scrutiny reflects heightened efforts to hold social media platforms accountable for harmful content.