Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she is considering using perceptual and cryptographic hash matching to prevent the spread of mis- and disinformation.

The government is not considering hash matching to address the spread of mis- and disinformation. We recognise concerns and continue to explore options, but there is no single solution. Tackling such content requires a mix of regulation, law enforcement, education and technical solutions, balanced with freedom of expression – a fundamental right.