Misinformation: Social Market Foundation Report
Debate between Lord Leong and Baroness Royall of Blaisdon
Lord Leong (Lab)
I am sure the noble Earl is very much aware of what the Government are doing. We have said that we will collate information and make a decision on banning social media. I am sure he will know that we are putting that in place, and further progress will be made very soon. Let me be absolutely clear: we have to make a distinction between misinformation and disinformation, and sometimes there is interchangeability between the two descriptions. We have to be absolutely sure about this. Sometimes, we may not like what is published, but it is not disinformation. We have to ensure that we get the category right.
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon (Lab)
My Lords, I declare an interest as a trustee of the charity Full Fact, which produced an annual report this week entitled A System Under Strain: Strengthening the UK’s Democratic Information Environment. Would my noble friend the Minister agree that the UK needs to treat the information environment as critical democratic infrastructure? Would he further agree that this requires clearer institutional co-ordination, stronger accountability for platforms and AI systems, better visibility for high-quality public interest information, and investment in public resilience?
Lord Leong (Lab)
Those who knowingly peddle misinformation and disinformation erode trust, poison public debate and undermine the very fabric of a decent democratic society. They are no friends of free speech or accountability. Deliberately spreading falsehood for political, financial or malicious gain weakens confidence in our institutions and fuels division and hostility. That is why this Government are determined to strengthen democratic resilience, uphold truth and transparency, and take robust action against unlawful online harm.