Counter-Disinformation Unit: Israel and Palestine Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateLord Sterling of Plaistow
Main Page: Lord Sterling of Plaistow (Conservative - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Sterling of Plaistow's debates with the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
(10 months ago)
Lords ChamberI very much share the noble Lord’s analysis of the need for this group to come rapidly into existence. It is, of course, the role of Ofcom to create it. I will undertake to liaise with it to make sure that that is speeded up.
My Lords, it was reported that a hospital had been hit. Immediately—sadly, in this modern day—the media like to break news, not to check how accurate it is. In practice, when we find out exactly what did happen, the damage has already been done because it went out to billions of people who wanted to believe that the Israelis did it.
That was very concerning. I am unable to comment specifically on the role of the BBC reporting on it. Combined with other sources of misinformation and disinformation online, it greatly amplified the damage that was done. We continue to work with the social media companies to ensure that they promote authoritative versions of the truth based on their use of fact-checkers, whether third-party independents or part of their own organisation.