Racist riots erupted in the United Kingdom due to online disinformation, sparking attacks on different groups. Experts warn that similar events could happen in the United States, especially with the rollback of social media moderation and actions by Elon Musk. In Los Angeles, a judge ordered UCLA to protect Jewish students from being blocked from their classes by protesters. The court was skeptical of a ruling in a case against a white supremacist, indicating a potential reversal.
The UK riots were fueled by lies spread online, leading to attacks on mosques, immigration centers, and migrants. Elon Musk amplified some of this misinformation, and experts fear a similar pattern could arise in the US before the upcoming election. UCLA was ordered to ensure Jewish students have access to classes after campus protests created a hostile environment. A federal judge’s decision to drop a case against a white supremacist was met with skepticism by an appeals court panel.
Former University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing faces one year in prison after pleading guilty to misdemeanor assault, disorderly conduct, and public intoxication following a racist tirade in 2022. The incident was caught on video and went viral. These events highlight the potential for hate, disinformation, and extremism to escalate and have real-world consequences in society.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com