Australia: Social Media Algorithms

Baroness Keeley Excerpts

Thursday 10th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

Where we talk about trusted news, there is a difference between that and the misinformation and disinformation that has fuelled hate in this society. It is not about what I think that people should read but about getting a factual basis for the news sources that people have access to. We have a huge amount of misinformation and disinformation circulating. We see this spill out on to our streets with the extremist views that should be countered with this.

[Baroness Keeley (Lab)]

My Lords, following on from the earlier points, particularly the point about Ofcom and its use of enforcement powers, the Communications and Digital Committee is just starting an inquiry into the Online Safety Act—in effect, post-legislative scrutiny. We will be looking at that issue, but it is heartening to hear my noble friend the Minister say that the Secretary of State is already raising this with the chair of Ofcom. We want to see Ofcom using those powers. There is a very strong public feeling that it has not done so. It is a case of “Watch this space”. I would be interested to talk to the Minister about that.

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I would be very happy to meet my noble friend regarding this issue. We find with all legislation that the Bill becoming law is not the end of the road. We are determined that it is enforced and that people are as protected and as safe online as possible. I look forward to hearing more about the committee’s inquiry.