UK Government in "Constructive" Talks with Elon Musk's X Over Misinformation, Minister Reveals

The UK government has been engaging in “constructive” discussions with Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, regarding the management of misinformation and harmful content. Technology Minister Peter Kyle shared these insights with CNBC on Friday, highlighting ongoing efforts to address the spread of false information on social media.

Kyle revealed that while he has not personally communicated with Musk, he maintains regular contact with X’s UK-based executives. These conversations have been productive, despite acknowledging that there are differences in perspectives between the government and the platform. “So far, it has been a constructive set of conversations,” Kyle said, underscoring the importance of dialogue in navigating these complex issues.

The backdrop to these discussions includes recent events in the UK, where misinformation surrounding a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in northwest England led to violent far-right riots. False claims about the attacker being an asylum seeker contributed to unrest, with attacks on shops and mosques across various towns.

Elon Musk’s comments on the situation exacerbated tensions. He criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer and suggested that the unrest could lead to civil war, remarks that were widely condemned by the UK government. In response, British lawmaker Dawn Butler, who is vying to chair the parliamentary committee on science, innovation, and technology, has expressed interest in summoning Musk for questioning if elected.

The UK government’s scrutiny of social media platforms has intensified amid growing concerns about their role in spreading misinformation. Kyle emphasized the responsibility of companies operating in the UK to adhere to high standards of safety and respect for British society. “It is a privilege having access to the British economy and society. And I just expect any company that comes to work here and aspires to sell products and services into our country to respect that,” he stated.

In light of these developments, Kyle is evaluating whether additional regulatory powers are needed to effectively manage online content. The Online Safety Act (OSA), set to empower the British regulator Ofcom in early 2025, will allow for substantial fines—up to 10% of global annual revenues—and potential jail time for senior managers if companies fail to meet compliance standards. The Act aims to hold digital platforms accountable for illegal content and is a key focus for the government.

While the full implementation of the OSA is pending, there are calls for accelerating the process to address issues similar to those seen during the summer riots. The government is reviewing the legislation and its application but has emphasized the need for immediate action by social media companies to protect users.

A government spokesperson reaffirmed the urgency of implementing the OSA, noting that social media platforms should not wait for regulatory deadlines to take action. “Our message to social media companies remains clear: There is no need to wait — you can and should take immediate action to protect your users,” the spokesperson said.

The upcoming months will be critical as Ofcom prepares to finalize its codes of conduct and the government continues to address the challenges posed by misinformation. The interactions between the UK government and social media platforms like X will play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of online safety and regulatory practices.