Elon Musk should face personal sanctions and potentially an arrest warrant if he continues to incite public disorder through his social media platform, according to Bruce Daisley, a former vice-president of Twitter. Daisley argues that tech executives like Musk should be held personally accountable for the impact of their platforms, rather than just facing corporate fines. He suggests that such personal risks could be more effective in curbing disruptive behaviour.
Daisley calls on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to strengthen online safety laws and evaluate whether the media regulator, Ofcom, is equipped to handle rapid changes in the digital landscape. He highlights recent unrest in the UK, including violent incidents linked to misinformation spread on social media, as a pressing issue.
Musk has faced criticism for his inflammatory comments, including a post suggesting that civil war in the UK is “inevitable” and sharing false information about Starmer. Daisley believes that direct legal consequences for Musk, such as an arrest warrant, could be a more effective deterrent than current measures.
Daisley also criticizes the current approach to online regulation, arguing that tech companies prioritize profit over principles of free speech. He advocates for more robust legislation to ensure tech billionaires are held accountable for the content their platforms allow.