Musk, the billionaire owner of X, initiated a battle with Downing Street over riots sweeping the UK, amid concerns that online misinformation is fueling the turmoil.
Musk stated “civil war is inevitable” in a comment on his social media site underneath a video of protestors blowing off pyrotechnics at police.
This was swiftly refuted by the prime minister’s office, who stated that there is “no justification for comments like that” and that “anyone who is whipping up violence online will face the full force of the law”.
Musk then responded to a social media post by Sir Keir that criticized violence.
Far-right demonstrators have targeted mosques and hotels that house asylum seekers.
Sir Keir stated that the turmoil is “not protest, but pure violence,” and that “we will not tolerate attacks on mosques or Muslim communities.”
Musk was responding: “Shouldn’t you be concerned about attacks on *all* communities?” .
The controversy threatens government efforts to encourage social media companies to take greater responsibility for eliminating dangerous online content that is thought to be fueling some of the violence.
