Time for more checks and balances for social media giants

Cramlington and Killingworth’s MP Emma Foody has called for more action against social media companies during a debate on the impact of digital platforms on UK democracy.

Speaking in Parliament, the Labour and Co-operative MP raised her concerns with the activities of social media giants and their online algorithms.

Discussing social media platforms, Ms Foody stated that social media companies too often “have all of the agency, but none of the accountability for what we see on their platforms” before adding that “when we see these platforms…pushing people to more and more extreme versions of content through the very algorisms which they use, it is time that we see more check and balances in place for these social media giants”

Following the debate, Ms Foody added:

“Social media companies must take responsibility for ensuring that their platforms are safe for users, whether this is keeping children safe from harmful content, or preventing algorisms promoting harmful, extreme and illegal content.

“I welcome that the Government is building further on the Online Safety Act, and that Ofcom is able to use enforcement powers to make sure the protections promised by the Act are being delivered.

“We need to ensure that these large companies are held to account, and their responsibilities through greater check and balances”.