Key Takeaways:
- The UK’s independent reviewer of terrorism laws, Jonathan Hall KC, has criticized the government’s latest national security strategy for not taking online threats seriously enough.
- Hall argues that online threats, including those from terrorists and hostile states, are a major vector of threat and should be a top priority for national security.
- The government’s 2025 national security strategy focuses on boosting defense spending, but Hall says that digital life is central to national security and should not be treated as an adjunct consideration.
- Hall also criticizes the government for exaggerating the safety of online life in Britain and calls for greater clarity on the Online Safety Act’s capabilities.
- The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, is investigating social media companies’ systems for removing illegal hate and terror material.
Introduction to the Issue
The UK’s independent reviewer of terrorism laws, Jonathan Hall KC, has expressed his disappointment and surprise at the government’s latest national security strategy, which he believes fails to adequately address the growing threat of online terrorism. Despite the government’s claims that the strategy will result in a "hardening and sharpening of our approach" to national security, Hall argues that the document does not take online threats seriously enough. In his upcoming speech, Hall is expected to emphasize the importance of protecting the country against online threats, which he believes are now a major vector of threat.
The Importance of Online Security
Hall’s criticism of the government’s strategy is rooted in his belief that digital life is central to national security. He argues that online threats, including those from terrorists and hostile states, are now a major concern and should be treated with the same level of importance as traditional security threats. Hall points out that almost all terrorism in the UK starts online, and that digital channels are being increasingly used by terrorists and states to spread their ideologies and recruit new members. He also highlights the dangers of online platforms, such as the popular children’s game Roblox, which allows users to enact violent scenarios, including school massacres and mosque shootings.
Government Response and Online Safety Act
The government’s 2025 national security strategy does acknowledge the importance of cybersecurity, and the Online Safety Act, introduced in 2023, aims to improve online safety by requiring digital platforms to remove illegal content, including terrorist and violent material. However, Hall argues that the government has exaggerated the safety of online life in Britain and that the Online Safety Act does not go far enough in addressing the issue. He points out that despite the act, his researchers were able to find an Islamic State-affiliated Facebook account posting instructional documents on violent attacks, which had been online for at least a month and remained accessible despite being reported to Facebook.
Need for Greater Clarity and Recast of Laws
Hall is calling for greater clarity on the Online Safety Act’s capabilities and limitations, and is also advocating for a recast of laws that govern surveillance by UK authorities. He argues that current laws, which restrict authorities from gathering personal information without prior authorization, are outdated and need to be revised to take into account the digital age. Hall believes that counter-terrorism authorities should be able to consider publicly available information online, including information that individuals have freely publicized or surrendered to tech companies for advertising purposes.
Regulatory Action and Enforcement
The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, is taking steps to address the issue of online hate and terror material. On Monday, Dame Melanie Dawes, Ofcom’s chief executive, told MPs that the regulator is investigating social media companies’ systems for assessing and removing illegal content. Dawes warned that if significant compliance concerns are found, Ofcom will not hesitate to take formal enforcement action. This move is seen as a positive step towards addressing the issue, but Hall’s criticism of the government’s strategy highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to online security.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, Jonathan Hall KC’s criticism of the government’s national security strategy highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to online security. The government’s failure to take online threats seriously enough is a concern, and Hall’s calls for greater clarity on the Online Safety Act’s capabilities and a recast of laws governing surveillance are timely and necessary. As the UK continues to navigate the complexities of the digital age, it is essential that the government takes a proactive and nuanced approach to online security, one that prioritizes the safety and security of its citizens in the face of growing online threats.
