United Kingdom: Closed consultation on Science, Innovation and Technology Committee inquiry into role of social media algorithms and generative AI in spreading harmful content

On 18 December 2024, the United Kingdom Parliament, through its Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, closes the public consultation on its inquiry into the role of social media algorithms and generative AI in spreading harmful content. The inquiry aims to assess the relationship between social media algorithms, generative AI, and the proliferation of harmful and false content online. This inquiry was initiated in response to a series of anti-immigration demonstrations and riots during July and August 2024, which were partly incited by misinformation spread through social media platforms. The Committee aims to assess the extent to which the business models of social media companies and search engines contribute to the spread of harmful content. It will also evaluate the effectiveness of the UK's current and proposed regulatory frameworks, including the Online Safety Act, in addressing these challenges.