UK agency urges social media companies to crack down on violent rhetoric

U.K. communications regulator Ofcom is calling on social media companies to increase their moderation of the violent rhetoric and material on their platforms as riots rock the nation.

In an open letter to online service providers in Great Britain, the regulator urged the tech firms to take actions to avoid their platforms "from being used to stir up hatred, provoke violence" or other violations of British law.

Ofcom group director for online safety Gill Whitehead pointed to the company's existing ability to ensure video-sharing platforms effectively prepare and respond to any spread of "harmful video material."

While this currently does not apply to social media companies, the Online Safety Act will likely expand Ofcom's regulation powers when it comes into place.

"In a few months...