Australia: Social Media Algorithms

Baroness Stowell of Beeston Excerpts

Thursday 10th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

My noble friend must be commended for being the first person to bring a boxing ring into the Houses of Parliament. It was a remarkable event and full of energy. The young people who came along were a credit to themselves, their families and the very trusted adults who brought them along. We are keen to counter the impact that online content can have, particularly on boys and young men. We think about the exposure to misogynistic, abusive and extremist content in this field. We co-produced the Government’s youth strategy with young people. As well as ensuring that more young people have access to trusted adults, we will have a £500 million investment in youth services over the next few years. We are also working with departments across government to increase the investment in this space. I commend all those who are involved in getting positive role models.

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston (Con)]

My Lords, does the Minister realise that her response to my noble friend Lord Parkinson on trusted news is precisely what is concerning about the Government’s proposals and their media Green Paper when it comes to giving prominence to what the Government define as trusted news?

[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.