The Government is facing another clash with Elon Musk's social media company, X, over a new scheme which aims to combat "early warning signs" of extremism online.
Although the new programme is backed by the Home Office, X executives have voiced their concern over the scheme.
The Violence Protection Network is currently setting up a voluntary code of conduct which the Government hopes will better tackle terrorism and radicalisation.
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Discussions have been taking place between the Violence Protection Network, the Home Office and social media companies to find an agreement regarding regulations for finding potential terrorists from their online activity.
However, after meeting with its creators, X issued a warning that the scheme would lead to "curbs on freedom of expression".
The tech giant claimed the programme would be "parallel and duplicative" to the Online Safety Act already policing the internet, meaning more companies would be forced to take posts down.
The scheme has not yet been announced by the Home Office, and X did not provide many of the details.
Executives at Elon Musk's X have voiced their concern over the new Government scheme
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The clash between X and the UK Government over free speech is not the first in recent times.
Mr Musk's tech company has been one of the most vocal critics of the Online Safety Act in the UK, which could bring billions in fines against companies which fail to protect children and remove illegal posts.
The social media platform warned the new regulations were leading to an "overreach" of the Government which was forcing "over-censorship" on online posts.
It is understood the new Violence Prevention Network proposals would require social media companies to warn users about the risks of Islamic or far-Right radicalism.
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X has previously warned the Government was forcing 'over-censorship' of online posts
| XThe Government, which has been discussing the code of conduct with technology companies,. is believed to hope the new scheme will be signed by January next year.
Under the code, companies would intervene before a person actually engages in criminal activity which needs police action.
If someone is deemed to be dangerous, they could then be referred to Prevent, the Government;s counter-terrorism scheme.
Jonathan Russell, Director at the Violence Protection Network and former adviser on extremist groups to Meta said the scheme would be entirely voluntary.
PICTURED: Axel Rudakubana, 18, shouting from the dock as he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court
| PAInstead, Mr Russell said the goal was for social media companies to "codify guidance on proactive and innovative ways to prevent violent extremism and terrorism".
According to the Violence Protection Network, technology companies are able to collect "valuable signals" which could be used to detect possible extremists.
This could include individuals who had broken their rules on numerous occasions or users who were interacting with content from known extremists.
Mr Russell added the scheme would be used in conjunction with the social media companies to "identify early warning signs of violent behaviour" and divert individuals towards "preventative support".
It comes after it emerged several violent individuals, including Southport triple killer Axel Rudakubana, had previously been flagged to the Prevent scheme.
Rudakubana was dismissed due to a lack of clear terrorist ideology.
GB News have contacted the Home Office for comment.
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