Key facts
- Social media platforms were central to organizing three nights of violence in Northern Ireland.
- Posts amplified misinformation and called for protests, including details on times and locations.
- Police have arrested 19 people following the unrest.
- A committee of MPs warned the government has failed to tackle online misinformation.
- The victim of the initial knife attack is in improving condition.
- A Sudanese national is charged with attempted murder over the attack.
Social media platforms played a central role in organizing three nights of violence in Northern Ireland, with posts focusing on an immigrant's ethnicity and calling for protests. Police have arrested 19 people, including a 16-year-old boy, following the unrest. The violence erupted after far-right activists called for demonstrations in response to a knife attack earlier in the week, which was captured in a graphic video. Masked individuals burned vehicles and houses and blocked roads after figures like Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson encouraged people to take to the streets. On Wednesday, police deployed plastic bullets and water cannon after crowds attacked officers with rocks and petrol bombs. Concerns have been raised about messages encouraging disorder being spread online and via messaging apps. A committee of MPs warned that the government has failed to adequately address the spread of misinformation online, with the chair of the science, innovation and technology committee accusing the government of ignoring previous warnings about algorithmic amplification of misinformation. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that Thursday night was calmer with only lower-level disturbances. The victim of the knife attack, Stephen Ogilvie, is in improving condition, and a Sudanese national, Hadi Alodid, has been charged with attempted murder. Several anti-racism events have been organized in response to the unrest.