LONDON — The head of London’s Metropolitan Police has announced an intensified effort to address online commentary related to recent riots across the United Kingdom, warning that enforcement actions may extend beyond British citizens to include individuals abroad.
This comes as the British government began charging and convicting their own citizens for making comments they don’t agree with on Facebook and Twitter.
In a statement to Sky News, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley emphasized the seriousness with which authorities are treating inflammatory content linked to the unrest.
“We will throw the full force of the law at people. And whether you’re in this country committing crimes on the streets or committing crimes from further afield online, we will come after you,” Rowley said.
The riots, which have erupted in multiple cities, were reportedly triggered by false online rumors that an asylum seeker was responsible for a mass stabbing at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event. The attack, which left three girls dead and others wounded, was allegedly carried out by a British citizen, now 18, born to Rwandan parents. The incident has inflamed tensions over immigration, leading to violent protests.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said, ‘We will throw the full force of the law at offenders. ‘Being a keyboard warrior does not make you safe from the law. ‘If you are committing crimes on the streets or online.”
The riots are provoked by the British government’s lack of control and desire to keep their citizens safe against a wave of attacks from illegal immigrants and Islamic radicals.
Footage of the clashes, involving anti-immigration demonstrators and counter-protesters, some displaying Palestinian flags, has circulated widely on social media.
The British government has issued warnings that sharing such content could result in legal consequences.
In a move that has drawn sharp criticism, British authorities have signaled that they may seek to extradite American citizens for violating U.K. laws on political speech online. The potential for cross-border enforcement has raised concerns about the implications for free speech and international legal precedents.
The situation remains volatile, with the government and law enforcement agencies on high alert as they navigate the complexities of both online and offline unrest.
Last week, police arrested a woman for making an ‘inaccurate social media post.”
Officers from Cheshire Police have arrested a woman in relation to social media post containing inaccurate information about the identity of the attacker in the Southport murders.
The 55-year-old woman from near Chester, was arrested earlier today, Thursday, on suspicion of publishing written material to stir up racial hatred (S19 of the Public Order Act 1986) and false communications (S179 Online Safety Act 2023).
The woman has since been bailed pending further inquiries.
Chief Superintendent Alison Ross said: “We have all seen the violent disorder that has taken place across the UK over the past week, much of which has been fuelled by malicious and inaccurate communications online. “It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of posting information on social media platforms without checking the accuracy. It also acts as a warning that we are all accountable for our actions, whether that be online or in person.”
