UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has strongly criticized the organization of looting and disruption through social media platforms as “appalling” and “unacceptable.” His comments follow the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) call for holding parents accountable for their children’s involvement in criminal activities driven by social media trends.
The disorder that erupted on London’s Oxford Street recently, fueled by online rumors, has sparked concerns about the misuse of digital platforms. Mr. Sunak emphasized that those engaged in such behavior should face the full extent of the law.
Nine individuals were arrested after trouble ensued on August 9th, instigated by social media videos urging people to participate in disorder. Stores in the West End were compelled to close and secure their premises due to this looting attempt, which reportedly stemmed from a social media craze encouraging involvement in an “Oxford Street JD robbery.”
Mr. Sunak, who was abroad at the time, characterized the events as “appalling” and asserted that criminal conduct and damage are unacceptable in society. He expressed full support for the police’s efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Dispersal orders were issued in Southend in response to posts promoting anti-social behavior. Donna Jones, Chair of the APCC, raised concerns about societal breakdown indicated by such incidents organized and shared on social media. She highlighted the need for action from social media companies.
Jones stressed that these trends were both worrying and posed real challenges to law enforcement resources. She called for accountability among parents, suggesting that they might need to pay fines for their children’s criminal behavior if they are under 16 or under 18 and in full-time education.
Another troubling social media trend mentioned involved teenagers allegedly encouraging each other to consume excessive paracetamol. Jones reported a few cases of hospital admissions in Southampton linked to a paracetamol challenge. The challenge supposedly involves taking unsafe amounts of the drug.
Jones emphasized that these trends divert essential resources, such as ambulance and police time, away from genuine emergencies. She urged parents to intervene and highlighted the need for platforms like TikTok to investigate their role in promoting harmful challenges and gatherings.
In response, TikTok stated its commitment to removing content that facilitates or encourages criminal activities. The platform stressed its collaboration with law enforcement and its dedicated safety professionals focused on maintaining a secure environment.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Daily Mail
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