UK MPs to Question Musk on Social Media Harm

Elon Musk is expected to be summoned by UK parliamentary committees to testify about the role of his platform, X (formerly Twitter), in the spread of disinformation during the UK's summer riots. The inquiry will focus on the impact of generative AI and social media algorithms in amplifying harmful content, particularly in relation to the Southport riots. MPs aim to question Musk alongside executives from Meta and TikTok to address concerns over online safety laws not keeping pace with technological advancements. Chi Onwurah, chair of the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, expressed a desire to scrutinize Musk's stance on free speech versus disinformation. Broad concerns include the spread of Islamophobic content generated by AI on social media platforms. As part of the UK's Online Safety Act, new regulations are expected to compel social media companies to prevent the dissemination of illegal and harmful materials.