Overview

• The HMICFRS report found that last summer’s riots across England were fueled by false claims online, not coordinated extremist groups.
• Police were criticized for failing to act swiftly on misinformation, with calls for dedicated online monitoring roles during major incidents.
• The inspectorate noted that lessons from previous reviews in 2011 and 2021 on disorder intelligence and social media monitoring were not implemented.
• National Police Chiefs argue that content regulation should be the responsibility of platforms and regulators, not law enforcement.
• The report recommends strengthening Ofcom’s powers to remove harmful posts quickly and tightening laws on incitement to curb online-fueled unrest.