The UK government has introduced a new proposal aimed at tackling the rising problem of knife crime, specifically focusing on the promotion and sale of illegal knives through social media platforms and online marketplaces.
Announced on 13 November 2024, the proposal seeks to impose personal fines on senior executives at tech companies if they fail to swiftly remove illegal content related to dangerous knives.
This initiative comes as part of the UK government’s commitment to halving knife crime over the next decade.
In addition to holding tech executives accountable, the government is also moving forward with legislation to ban ninja swords, following a high-profile case in which a young man, Ronan Kanda, was killed by a ninja sword purchased online.
Pooja Kanda, Ronan’s mother, has been a vocal advocate for the ban and has expressed relief over the government’s promise to act.
The proposal is part of a broader strategy that includes a nationwide police effort targeting knife crime hotspots and a review of online knife sales led by Commander Stephen Clayman, which is due for completion by January 2025.
Why this matters
Knife crime has been a growing concern in the UK, with incidents of robberies and violent assaults involving knives on the rise.
The proposal to fine tech executives will create a direct deterrent for platforms that allow dangerous content to proliferate unchecked.
The initiative aims to force tech companies to take more responsibility for the content they host.
By holding executives personally liable, the government seeks to ensure that platforms do not turn a blind eye to illegal activity, including the promotion of weapons that contribute to public harm.
The case of Ronan Kanda, whose death was linked to the online purchase of a ninja sword, has galvanized public support for this proposal.
The government’s actions in response to this tragedy highlight the importance of protecting families from the dangers posed by easily accessible weapons.
What happened, how everything began
On the evening of June 2022, Pooja Kanda’s 16-year-old son, Ronan, was killed. She recalls the cold dread that gripped her as the ambulance doors slammed shut, sealing the unimaginable fate that awaited her family.
Her son’s life had been stolen in a split-second of violence, struck down by a “ninja sword” purchased with astonishing ease online.
In her grief, Kanda turned her focus outward, spearheading a campaign to ban the sale of such weapons. She saw firsthand how online platforms not only offered easy access to deadly weapons but also fueled a disturbing culture glorifying their use.
Her loss, she realized, was part of a larger, dark trend sweeping the UK.
Within seconds, Pooja’s world had been torn apart. The day had started like any other. She was out at a meditation class, seeking peace in the quiet moments of the evening when a frantic call from her neighbor sent her heart racing. “There’s been a stabbing on our street,” she was told, “We need to get home.” Her first instinct was confusion—until the weight of the situation hit.
“What’s happened?” she asked, barely able to understand the words.
“There’s been a stabbing. It’s bad. We need to go home,” her neighbor repeated.
At that moment, Pooja didn’t know the victim was her son, Ronan. But the feeling of dread crept over her like a shadow, as she grabbed her things and headed out the door. She tried calling Ronan. He didn’t pick up. That wasn’t like him. He always answered. It was a mother’s instinct to call again, to hear his voice. But there was no answer.
Knife crime in Britain has surged over the last decade, devastating families, spreading fear, and placing communities under constant strain.
With over 45,000 recorded knife-related offenses in England and Wales last year alone, the UK government is under pressure to respond decisively.
Ministers unveiled new measures targeting not just the weapon sellers, but the executives of tech companies hosting this content.
Under the proposed laws, senior executives could face personal fines if they fail to remove illegal knife-related content promptly—a direct move to counter the glorification of violence on social media.
For families like the Kandas, these changes represent a much-needed commitment to tackling a pervasive and lethal threat.
Knife crime in the UK has been on an alarming upward trajectory for more than a decade. In the early 2000s, Britain saw a significant reduction in violent crime, but since 2014, knife-related incidents have sharply increased.
Police records reveal that offenses involving knives and sharp objects have grown by over 50% in the last eight years, with particularly severe spikes in urban areas.
London, Birmingham, and Manchester have faced ongoing issues with knife-related violence, where young people are disproportionately affected both as victims and perpetrators.
The rise in knife crime has fractured communities, leaving neighborhoods grappling with fear and families torn by tragedy. Experts attribute these increases to multiple factors, including economic instability, rising gang activity, and the social fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The online environment has emerged as a troubling accelerant in this crisis. Social media and e-commerce platforms are being used to promote, advertise, and even glamorize the possession and use of bladed weapons.
In certain online communities, knives are marketed as collectibles, with little restriction on age or purpose, creating a culture where weapons are normalized.
In 2022, police reports showed that some teens involved in stabbings had purchased blades online without difficulty, bypassing age verification in a digital marketplace rife with loopholes.
Videos and social media posts glorifying knife violence and gang culture have also amplified this issue, with platforms often slow to remove harmful content.
On a quiet September morning in Westminster, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper delivered a stark message to a room full of policymakers, campaigners, and families scarred by knife violence.
Standing resolute, she pledged that those who facilitate these crimes would be held accountable. Among the attendees was Pooja Kanda, a grieving mother whose son, Ronan, had been killed by a weapon bought online. For Kanda, Cooper’s words symbolized a commitment to tackling the silent enablers of Britain’s knife crime epidemic.
Under the proposed legislation, senior tech executives would face personal fines if they fail to remove dangerous content related to knives and other lethal weapons.
Police would be empowered to issue content removal orders to platform executives with a 48-hour deadline. Failure to comply would result in escalating penalties. These measures, according to officials, are designed to force tech companies to prioritize public safety over profit.
The legislation also targets specific weapons, such as ninja swords, which have been linked to rising violence. Kanda, who has campaigned tirelessly since Ronan’s death, sees the ban as a small victory in her ongoing fight.
“If banning these swords saves even one life, then it’s worth it,” she says. Alongside this, Commander Stephen Clayman is leading a review to ensure police can effectively monitor and enforce these policies.
Critics argue that these proposals may not have the desired impact on tech giants. However, Cooper believes they represent more than just new laws—they are a cultural shift toward making the digital world safer.
For families like Kanda’s, this shift could prevent future tragedies, offering a glimmer of hope amidst their grief.
What to Expect
Tech companies, particularly those that host online marketplaces and social media platforms, may lobby against these proposals, arguing that they could lead to increased legal and operational burdens. Expect ongoing debates on the practicalities and fairness of holding executives personally responsible.
Given the high-profile nature of cases like Ronan Kanda’s, there is likely to be broad public support for tougher regulations on the online sale of knives. The consultation period for the ninja sword ban and the broader knife crime measures may see strong advocacy from victim support groups and safety organizations.
Although the government is moving quickly, there could be delays in finalizing the ban on ninja swords or the implementation of fines for tech executives, especially if there are legal challenges or resistance from major tech companies.
