A letter signed by Aneet Morar from London argues that the debate over social media regulation should extend beyond foreign disinformation. In the writer’s view, warnings about Kremlin activity address only part of a broader problem: the way major platforms shape what people see and share.
From disinformation to platform design
The letter describes social media companies as operating like critical national infrastructure. It argues that the same engagement-driven systems that can distribute foreign propaganda may also amplify domestic far-right radicalisation.
The writer refers to analysis of disorder in Belfast and Southampton while making this wider case. The fact sheet does not provide details of that analysis, so the letter’s reference should be understood as part of its argument rather than as a complete account of the events.
Concerns about young people and privacy
The letter also says engagement-driven feeds are damaging young people’s mental health. That is presented as the writer’s assertion; no supporting evidence or measurement of the effect is included in the available material.
Privacy is another concern. The writer says wearable devices such as Meta’s smart glasses could make it routine to record people without their knowledge or consent. The point broadens the discussion from online content to the way connected technology may affect everyday interactions.
What stronger oversight could involve
Morar argues that governments should strengthen their response to disinformation, while stressing that this would not be enough on its own. The letter calls for:
- enforceable duties of care;
- penalties proportionate to the scale of the platforms;
- greater transparency about how algorithms determine what users see; and
- clear responsibility for material that platforms amplify.
The writer draws on a career in the payments industry to make a comparison with financial infrastructure. In that sector, the letter says, systems operating at a similar scale would not be allowed to function without clear rules, independent oversight and liability when problems occur.
That comparison is used to support the letter’s central question: why should platforms that influence what millions of people believe face a lower standard of accountability?
A wider accountability debate
The letter does not dismiss the importance of tackling Kremlin-linked bot armies. Instead, it argues that focusing only on the source of particular campaigns risks overlooking the systems that distribute and amplify content.
Its broader position is that social media governance should address both deliberate disinformation and the platform structures through which information spreads. The proposals are political and regulatory arguments made by the letter’s author, not independently verified findings in the supplied material.
AI tools were used to assist with the preparation of this article.
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