Misinformation: Social Market Foundation Report

Lord Scriven Excerpts

Thursday 11th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[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.

[Lord Scriven (LD)]

My Lords, once people get into the rabbit hole of disinformation or misinformation, the algorithms keep contributing to and multiplying the problem. Is it an option to look at the Government legislating that, every so often, the large tech companies have to press an “algorithm set to zero” button, which would mean that people are exposed to other information?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, algorithms can amplify sensational or misleading content at speed and scale, often without any transparency or accountability, as the noble Lord said. That is why the Government, through the Protecting What Matters strategy, are exploring measures to give users greater control over algorithmic recommendations and online content feeds. The Online Safety Act imposes duties on platforms to assess and mitigate risks arising from systems and processes. Technology must serve the public interest, not undermine democratic and social norms.