Minister Orders Social Media Firms to Remove Dangerous Driving Content After Middlesbrough Crash

Fatal A66 Crash Near Middlesbrough

On Saturday, a car travelling the wrong way down the dual carriageway of the A66 near Middlesbrough collided with a police force vehicle. Seven people were killed in the crash, including two police officers. Reports indicate that at least one of the deceased young men had been filming dangerous driving for TikTok videos before the collision.

Ministerial Response

Defence Minister Luke Pollard told BBC Radio 5 Live that social media platforms must remove content that celebrates dangerous driving or the government will use powers under the Online Safety Act to compel them to do so. Pollard said: “We’ve communicated to those social media platforms that have been hosting content that celebrates this type of dangerous behaviour on our roads to take down that content.” He added that the internet should not reward or incentivise such behaviour.

Online Safety Act and Social Media Regulation

Under the Online Safety Act, platforms are required to minimise exposure to violent or dangerous content. If they fail to comply, the government can force removal of offending material. Pollard highlighted that the government’s request is a chance for platforms to demonstrate self‑regulation.

TikTok and Ofcom Investigation

TikTok has stated that its policies prohibit content that could cause significant physical harm, including dangerous driving, and that it actively removes videos that break its rules. Ofcom launched an investigation in July into TikTok’s compliance with child‑safety duties, citing concerns that the platform has failed to protect children from harmful content. An Ofcom spokesperson said the regulator will take action if evidence shows companies are falling short.

International Context

The issue of lax social media regulation of dangerous driving gained prominence after a head‑on crash in County Kildare, Ireland, where five teenagers were killed. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the collision as “horrific” and said that in some cases vehicles were driven on the wrong side of motorways for social media likes. TikTok declined an invitation to appear before an Irish parliamentary committee on media to discuss videos, citing the ongoing police investigation.

Call for Action

Pollard urged social media companies to step up and remove content that glorifies dangerous behaviour on roads. He said: “I want to see social media companies step up.” The government’s directive is part of a broader effort to make the internet a safer place for everyone.

Current Status

Social media platforms have been notified by the government. The outcome of the government’s request and any potential enforcement under the Online Safety Act remain pending. The incident has sparked renewed debate over the role of social media in promoting or discouraging dangerous driving practices.