Barnet’s Labour councillors condemn the anti-Semitic tweets by Grime artist Wiley and have joined calls for the Government to bring forward the Online Harms Bill without delay.
Wiley sent a series of anti-Semitic tweets, for which he was initially given only a 7-hour ban. On Facebook, he wrote: “Who called the police? Are you from Golders Green? I am coming to sit down with you in Golders Green…” He later added: “Golders Green yes see you soon I will come on my own.”
The Government first proposed to introduce regulation in 2017 to keep people safe on social media and hold social media platforms accountable for dealing with harmful content. Indications are that the Online Harms Bill will not be brought in until 2023/24.
Leader of the Barnet Labour Group, Cllr Barry Rawlings said: “When high-profile people post hateful speech on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, that speech is spread very quickly by the very nature of the platforms.
“Social media platforms must act quickly to take down harmful content, but self-regulation clearly isn’t working. The Government should bring forward the Online Harms Bill straight away.”
Cllr Anne Clarke, representing Childs Hill ward which covers part of Golders Green, said: “I am appalled at the anti-Semitic comments, and took part in the 48-hour twitter boycott in solidarity with our Jewish communities.
“We will work with all communities and stand united against prejudice in much the same way as we have done before. There is no place for hate in Golders Green.”
Ends.
Notes:
- For more on the Online Harms Bill see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-53222665