‘Wild West’ social media companies come under fire at Labour hustings
THE three candidates left in Labour’s leadership race have warned social media companies cannot be left to police themselves as the current situation has been described as “the Wild West”.
Speaking during hustings in London yesterday, Rebecca LongBailey said Labour should press social media companies to take a “hard-line approach” to dealing with online abuse.
“We have got to recognise the impact that that has on individuals. It is more so on individuals in public life,” she said.
“We know the impact certain elements of the media have on people in public life.
“Harry and Meghan have moved out of the country because of the way they have been treated by the media. It is not acceptable.”
Another leadership contender, Lisa Nandy, equated being online with “the Wild West”.
“I worry about the approaches that say we allow the social media companies to regulate themselves,” she said.
“In no other area of life would we allow private companies to police themselves.
“We ought to make sure the state has a system of regulation and support around that.
“The challenge isn’t how you shut it down, the challenge is how you make sure that that technology is used as a force for social good and not as a force for social evil.”
The leadership contest’s frontrunner, Sir Keir Starmer, signalled that he would take action to “diversify” the press if he won the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn.
And he condemned the constant “vilification” of Labour
The press more widely have to take responsibility as well.
Sir Keir Starmer speaking during Labour leadership hustings in London.
politicians, and said that both the traditional media and social media companies needed to take responsibility for the human impact of their actions.
“The press more widely have to take responsibility as well, not just for the hatred and abuse but for the vilification constantly of Labour MPs and Labour leaders,” he said.
“We have got to do something to diversify our press, to have a better media.”
A new Labour leader will be announced on April 4. Emily Thornberry dropped out of the race after failing to receive enough nominations from local Labour groups ahead of a deadline at midnight on Friday.