Opinion

Stop the BOTS

Social-media bots have become key amplifiers of far-right narratives in Britain, flooding platforms with anti-migrant slogans, conspiracies and divisive commentary disguised as public opinion. Despite the UK’s robust legal armour — from the Online Safety Act to the National Security Act — enforcement lags behind a rapidly evolving digital threat. This investigation traces how bot networks manipulate discourse, how government and platforms are fighting back, and what more is needed to protect democratic conversation from algorithmic deceit.

As Britain’s far right chants “Stop the boats”, a more dangerous invasion is unfolding online. Armies of social-media bots are distorting debate, amplifying hate, and reshaping politics in their image — while regulation struggles to keep pace.

Guidelines governing the use of social platforms by institutions