Keir Starmer stated that X, formerly known as Twitter, could "lose the right to self-regulate" under a Labour government, citing concerns over the platform's handling of harmful content. The Labour leader made the comments during a speech outlining his party's plans for technology regulation, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight to protect users from online abuse and misinformation.

Starmer's remarks come amid increasing scrutiny of social media platforms and their role in moderating content. He argued that self-regulation has proven insufficient, and a more robust regulatory framework is necessary. "The era of self-regulation for social media platforms must come to an end," Starmer said. "If they fail to meet their responsibilities, they will lose the right to self-regulate."

The proposed changes would likely involve the appointment of an independent regulator with the power to impose significant fines on companies that fail to remove illegal or harmful content promptly. This regulator would also be responsible for ensuring that platforms are transparent about their algorithms and content moderation policies.

X's current content moderation policies have been a subject of controversy since Elon Musk acquired the company in October 2022. Musk has advocated for a more permissive approach to free speech, which critics argue has led to a rise in hate speech and disinformation on the platform. X has implemented features such as Community Notes, which allows users to add context to potentially misleading tweets, and has stated its commitment to removing illegal content. However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of these measures.

The potential loss of self-regulation could have significant implications for X's business model and operations in the UK. Stricter regulation could force the company to invest more heavily in content moderation and compliance, potentially impacting its profitability. It could also lead to increased pressure from advertisers and users to address harmful content more effectively.

Industry analysts suggest that other social media companies are also closely watching the developments in the UK. A move away from self-regulation in one country could set a precedent for other jurisdictions, leading to a broader shift in how social media platforms are regulated globally.

X has not yet issued an official statement in response to Starmer's comments. The company is expected to address the issue in the coming weeks, outlining its plans for addressing concerns about content moderation and its commitment to user safety. The next steps will likely involve further discussions between X representatives and Labour party officials, as well as consultations with other stakeholders, including civil society groups and industry experts.