Site takes no action over hate posts against UK politicians including Kemi Badenoch, Shabana Mahmood and Zia Yusuf
X has refused to take down dozens of social media posts reported as “hate, abuse or harassment” in which prominent UK politicians, including Kemi Badenoch, have been racially abused.
In May, researchers from the social inclusion thinktank British Future reported 30 posts from this year in which the Conservative party leader was called the N-word. In each case the researchers used the platform’s “hate, abuse or harassment” reporting option. X refused to act in the majority of cases, despite repeated requests.
The Guardian understands X routinely takes action only when posts are reported to it as illegal under the UK’s Online Safety Act. In those cases, it restricts visibility in the UK, leaving the post unrestricted in other jurisdictions.
Nah, it’s a regional racial slur common in the UK, Paki. I’d compare it to how people outside of the UK don’t realize it, but spaz is a heavy ableist slur over there too.
The word is used as a racial slur in Canada too (unfortunately). I haven’t really heard it used in ages but that could just be from moving out of my small town and into a city
I remember my friend using it here in NJ directed at a kid in our class who was from Pakistan which I found pretty odd as my buddy’s family is from Egypt. I’d expect a little solidarity but I guess middle school is not a great time. It’s definitely not very common here though.