SCOTLAND'S First Minister has urged social media giants to crack down on "profoundly dangerous" disinformation amid fears riots could spread to Scotland.
John Swinney demanded social media companies make a "lot of improvement" in blocking "false information" yesterday as concerns were raised over planned right-wing protests this weekend.
The call came after regulatory body Ofcom reminded Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, of their duties to crack down on misinformation.
Several Scottish towns and cities were bracing themselves for far-right protests this weekend.
Scotland has so far avoided the fire-raising, looting and violence that has hit places like Belfast, Leeds, Rotherham and Liverpool.
But shadowy online figures have been trying to organise anti-immigrant gatherings that Police Scotland are monitoring closely.
Swinney said: "I think the social media companies have got a lot of improvement to undertake in their conduct. I was very struck by the communication of Ofcom yesterday, reminding social media companies of their obligation to remove material that incites hatred or violence.
"I don't think that's been the case." Swinney said disinformation had wrongly been spread in relation to a stabbing in Stirling, which had been done to "stir up hatred" against the Muslim community.
This mirrored false and inflammatory stories that emerged after the murders of three children in Southport, an atrocity that acted as a catalyst for the violence in England and Northern Ireland.
Swinney said: "The disinformation can be profoundly dangerous. We had an example at the weekend in Scotland where there was information - false information circulating suggesting a stabbing that had taken place in Stirling had been undertaken by someone from the Muslim community.
Esta historia es de la edición August 09, 2024 de Daily Record.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición August 09, 2024 de Daily Record.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
STRONG SOUTT
It's been one kick in the teeth after another for Gers this season but John's return to form is shining light for Phil
If Celtic had signed big Scales for £7m he'd get more credit for just how brilliant he's been
CHARLIE MULGREW reckons Liam Scales is only missing the big name and even bigger price tag to be widely regarded as one of Celtic's most valuable players.
GET WITH THE FAME
Time to honour legends.. and urge others to follow their lead
My kids will keep fighting for this club's future
Big Dunc insists his Inverness young guns will stand strong if administration becomes reality
SHOWTIME
Darcy out to prove he's ready for Scots return
WHALE RESCUE DRAMA
Beached mammal 'first in UK' to survive
Ticket row bands are 'stupid or lying'
Cure singer slams briefs 'scam'
£30K BILL OVER HOLS COMA HELL
Son's gratitude as fundraiser hits £12k
'Stolen' history call to King
Charles urged to back plea for return of Aboriginal items | Royals to meet indigenous leaders on historic trip to Oz
Salmond's body will be flown home today
Businessman says ex-FM deserved 'private return'