Award-winning British Actor and Musician, Idris Elba has called on social media companies to made verification mandatory for all users in order for everyone to know who is speaking.
Idris Elba made his subbmissions after three England footballers were subjected to a torrent of racist abuse online after they missed their penalties in England’s Euro 2020 final this month.
According to the actor, this will make it easier for cyber bullies to be easily identified and held responsible for their abuses since the verfication requires the submission of one’s ID Cards.
He took to his Instagram page and wrote; “People in the public eye get verified on social media, (symbolised by a blue tick), the process of verification requires them to prove their IDENTITY, so everyone knows WHO is speaking. SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES SHOULD MAKE THIS MANDATORY FOR ALL USERS. Currently, social media is like boarding a plane and not having to show I.D. THAT would never happen.”
He also lamented that if cowards are being protected by by privacy features on various social media platforms, then the digital platform is not a safe space.
“If cowards are being supported by a veil of privacy and secrecy, then social media is not a safe space. It is an aeroplane that allows travellers to wear balaclavas. If cowards want to spout racial rhetoric then say it with your name, not your username,” he added.
