London mayor calls for stricter laws on harmful online content and takes aim at Elon Musk…reports Asian Lite News
As the global political landscape shifts dramatically, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a stark warning about what he calls a “century-defining battle” against the resurgence of far-right extremism. In a pointed critique, Khan has called for stronger laws to combat harmful online content and taken aim at tech billionaires like Elon Musk for their role in enabling the spread of extremist ideologies.
The timing of Khan’s comments is significant, coming just days before Donald Trump’s second inauguration as president of the United States. The event is expected to draw a host of prominent hard-right figures from across Europe, including Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Éric Zemmour, the controversial French politician known for his anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Writing in The Observer, Khan paints a troubling picture of the current political climate. “Progressives across the Western world face a century-defining challenge – and the stakes for liberal democracy couldn’t be higher,” he states. “The hard-right and far-right are on the march. These are deeply worrying times, especially if you’re a member of a minority community. As historians and commentators increasingly find echoes of the 1920s and 30s in the present day, we cannot afford to throw in the towel.”
Khan’s remarks are a rallying cry to political leaders and citizens alike to resist the spread of extremist ideologies. He highlights the role of social media in amplifying hate, calling for stricter regulations on platforms that fail to address harmful content.
A Call for Stricter Oversight
The mayor reserves sharp criticism for Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), accusing him of reinstating accounts linked to far-right figures such as Tommy Robinson. Musk’s decision, Khan argues, exemplifies how tech billionaires prioritize profit over the health of democracies.
“A billionaire bully shouldn’t be able to use his social media platform as a propaganda tool to amplify lies and advance the cause of the far right,” Khan asserts. “Nor should social media companies be able to evade responsibility for algorithms that maximise – and monetise – hate.”
A billionaire bully shouldn’t be able to use his social media platform as a propaganda tool to amplify lies and advance the cause of the far right. Nor should social media companies be able to evade responsibility for algorithms that maximise – and monetise – hate.
Sadiq Khan
The mayor’s comments coincide with growing scrutiny of tech companies, particularly after Meta’s recent announcement that it would end fact-checking on some sensitive topics and reduce content restrictions related to immigration and gender. While the UK government’s forthcoming Online Safety Act aims to tackle illegal hate speech, questions remain about its enforceability and the willingness of tech giants to comply.
A government spokesperson addressed the issue, stating, “Extremist content has no place in our society. That’s why we work closely with law enforcement, local communities, and our international partners to tackle those who sow division and hatred. From March, the Online Safety Act will require social media platforms to remove illegal disinformation and content harmful to children. We urge them to act now to protect their users.”
Echoes of the Past
Khan draws parallels between today’s political environment and the interwar period of the 1920s and 1930s, when fascism surged across Europe. He warns that the stakes are no less significant now.
“We should be in no doubt, this is a perilous moment,” he writes. “The spectre of a resurgent fascism haunts the West … To ward off the far-right, we must be unflinching in defence of our democracy and values, and in our determination to enhance the welfare and material conditions of our communities.”
His comments reflect growing concern among progressives about the global rise of populism and far-right rhetoric. Trump’s presidency, which begins on Monday, has already become a focal point for European right-wing leaders, amplifying fears of an international movement gaining momentum.
Challenges for Progressives
Khan’s intervention also sends a pointed message to the Labour leadership, urging them to take a more vocal stance against Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric. In what some interpret as a critique of Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s approach, Khan emphasizes the need to confront extremist ideologies directly.
“I agree with the government that we need to be pragmatic on the international stage,” Khan writes. “But progressives around the world should never yield ground to the far-right, nor be afraid to speak truth to power when required.”
Lammy has faced criticism for adopting what he calls a strategy of “progressive realism” in dealing with Trump, even as the former president’s policies and statements continue to spark outrage. While Lammy once described Trump as a “woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath,” his recent remarks have struck a more cautious tone, prioritizing diplomatic ties with the U.S.
A Perilous Road Ahead
Khan’s warnings come at a critical juncture, as governments grapple with balancing free speech and public safety in an increasingly polarized world. With hard-right figures gaining influence and social media platforms under fire for failing to curb hate speech, the challenge of protecting democratic values has never been more urgent.
As the world watches Trump’s second term unfold, Khan’s message is clear: complacency is not an option. “This is a defining moment for democracies across the West,” he concludes. “The fight against resurgent fascism demands action, courage, and a steadfast commitment to our shared values.”
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