Belfast unrest: UK regulator Ofcom threatens legal action against online platforms

The UK’s media regulator Ofcom on Wednesday has threatened to take legal action against online platforms in the case of any involvement in inciting unrest in Belfast.

According to Reuters, the Ofcom issued a letter to the online platforms, warning them of possible legal consequences if their services are used to stir hatred and violence, leading to the deadly civil unrest.

All companies have been obliged to carry out their duties under the Online Safety Act to assess and mitigate illegal content.

The warning comes as Belfast is already grappling with turmoil, following a deadly stabbing in the city.

The unrest was sparked by a violent assault on Monday night in north Belfast, where a man in his 40s sustained serious neck, head, and facial wounds. Consequently, hundreds of masked protestors rampaged across Northern Ireland and torched vehicles, looted phone shops and set fire to an African-owned business.

A 30-year-old Sudanese asylum seeker, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder, possession of a bladed article, and threats to kill. Authorities confirmed the attack was not related to terrorism.

In recent development, three men have been arrested and charged following violent disorder and racist assaults in Glasgow. Five people were injured during the unrest, including two police officers.