Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, stated that X, formerly known as Twitter, could "lose the right to self-regulate" under a future Labour government, citing concerns over the platform's handling of harmful content and misinformation. The statement, made during a speech on technology policy in London on Tuesday, intensifies scrutiny on the social media company and its content moderation practices.

Starmer argued that self-regulation had demonstrably failed to protect users, particularly children, from online harms. He emphasized the need for stricter, independent oversight to ensure platforms like X are held accountable for the content they host and promote. "The current system of self-regulation simply isn't working," Starmer said. "We need a robust, independent regulator with the power to impose significant sanctions on companies that fail to meet their obligations."

The potential loss of self-regulation would significantly impact X's operational model in the UK. Currently, X relies on its internal teams and policies to moderate content, adhering to broad guidelines and responding to user reports. An independent regulator, as proposed by Labour, would likely impose stricter standards, potentially requiring X to proactively remove harmful content, implement more robust age verification measures, and increase transparency around its algorithms. Failure to comply could result in substantial fines or even restrictions on the platform's operations within the UK.

The Labour Party's proposals align with broader concerns about the power and influence of social media companies. Critics argue that platforms like X have amplified hate speech, facilitated the spread of disinformation, and contributed to the polarization of public discourse. They contend that self-regulation has proven inadequate to address these challenges, necessitating external oversight.

X, under the ownership of Elon Musk, has faced criticism for its changes to content moderation policies, including the reinstatement of previously banned accounts and the relaxation of restrictions on certain types of content. These changes have led to concerns about a potential increase in harmful content on the platform. Musk has defended his approach, arguing that it promotes free speech and reduces censorship.

Industry analysts suggest that a shift towards independent regulation could have far-reaching consequences for the social media landscape. Other platforms may face similar pressure to comply with stricter standards, potentially leading to increased compliance costs and a more cautious approach to content moderation. The debate over regulation is expected to continue as governments grapple with the challenges of balancing free speech with the need to protect users from online harms. The Labour Party has indicated that it will publish further details of its technology policy proposals in the coming months.