UK Police Chief Accuses X of Obstructing Online Hate Crime Investigations
Mike Ankers, the deputy director of the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), has publicly criticized the social media platform X, alleging that its cooperation in identifying users involved in online abuse has deteriorated significantly over the past year. Speaking at a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Football, Ankers highlighted a sharp decline in successful prosecutions in 2025, attributing this to delays in obtaining crucial user information from the Elon Musk-owned company.
Legal Delays and Prosecution Drop-Off
Ankers emphasized that while X has never outright refused information requests, it employs a process that effectively stalls investigations. He explained that the platform often cites jurisdictional issues, as data for UK users is stored in the United States, requiring requests to go through a mutual legal assistance treaty. This legal pathway can take 12 to 18 months to complete, far exceeding the typical six-month window police have to investigate most online abuse cases. "We've seen a massive drop-off in terms of successful prosecutions with regards to X because actually we're not getting the information in time," Ankers stated. In contrast, he noted that other social media providers like TikTok, Snapchat, and Meta typically share information within a month, facilitating quicker legal action.
Contrasting Views from X and Football Authorities
In response, Anna Zizola, EU Public Policy affairs lead at X, defended the company's practices, asserting that X always complies with police requests and takes online abuse seriously. She cited that in the first half of 2025, the platform actioned over 1.8 million pieces of content globally for breaching abuse and harassment rules. However, Ankers countered this by claiming that X's behavior has worsened recently, specifically over the last 12 months, hindering law enforcement efforts.
The parliamentary meeting also featured discussions on broader issues within football regarding online harms. Experts, including online safety analyst Jodie Luker, called for a more unified approach across football organizations to combat abuse. Luker urged the Football Association (FA) to take a leading role in implementing a systemic strategy that covers all levels of the sport, both men's and women's games. An FA spokesperson reiterated the organization's commitment to fighting online abuse, highlighting a new partnership with the UK Football Police Unit and Ofcom to enhance collective efforts against perpetrators.
Implications for Future Enforcement
This controversy underscores ongoing challenges in regulating online platforms and prosecuting hate crimes. The delays attributed to X's processes not only impede justice but also raise concerns about the effectiveness of current legal frameworks in addressing digital abuse. As police and football authorities push for faster action and better cooperation from social media companies, the debate highlights the need for streamlined international protocols to ensure timely access to information for law enforcement agencies worldwide.
