Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent steps she has taken to counter Russian misinformation.

The Government takes the issue of disinformation (defined as false information which is intended to mislead) and misinformation (defined as false information disseminated without intent to mislead) seriously. The DSIT-led Counter Disinformation Unit (CDU) is working to identify and counter Russian disinformation targeted at UK audiences.

The CDU works to understand overall trends and coordinated attempts to artificially manipulate the information environment. We work closely with social media platforms including to encourage them to ensure that their policies and enforcement are fit for purpose and consistently applied, whilst still respecting freedom of expression. Though not its primary purpose, where the Unit does identify content which may violate platforms’ Terms of Service, these are referred to the relevant platform for consideration, who in turn decide what action to take.

To identify and counter Russia’s propaganda and disinformation targeted at UK and international audiences, the Government Information Cell (GIC) has been established. The Cell specifically supports the UK's response to Russian disinformation relating to their invasion of Ukraine.

We have also taken action to ban Russian propaganda online, including through sanctions against the worst offenders. Ofcom oversees the obligation on all UK-based entities to prevent access to propaganda services provided by state-owned entities Rossiya Segodnya and ANO TV Novosti, which owns RT.

Under the Online Safety Bill, all social media companies subject to the safety duties will be required to take measures to remove illegal misinformation and disinformation once they become aware of it and to take proactive action against state-sponsored disinformation that is of most concern.