UK Democracy Impact of Digital Platforms 2025-04-03

Concedes that social media has some positive aspects but argues that relying on the goodwill of technology companies is insufficient. Social media companies should not be trusted with children's safety, as evidenced by their lack of awareness of cases like Alexander McCartney.

Supports the idea that social media giants should have a legal duty to carry out risk assessments on harmful content. This is necessary to address issues such as Andrew Tate's influence over young men and the wider problem of disinformation.

Highlights that unchecked online abuse during elections deters potential candidates from standing. Women and minorities are disproportionately targeted, leading to fewer diverse voices in politics. This silencing effect threatens the democratic process.

Mr. Mayhew commended Ms. Eastwood's speech and suggested a useful first step could be banning telephones in schools up to the age of 16.

Ms. Dodds spoke about the need for strategic, not tactical, responses to protect democracy from online threats. She mentioned economic instability and the importance of international cooperation in defending against disinformation campaigns.

Addressed concerns about the rise in hate, misogyny, violence, and pornography on social media. Noted that emotionally charged content is pushed by algorithms to generate profit for tech companies. Highlighted issues of addiction caused by addictive design and polarisation due to echo chambers. Raised scepticism over concentrations of power within big tech firms.

Discussed the impact of digital platforms on democracy, particularly focusing on young people's usage and potential risks. Highlighted statistics showing extensive use of social media by children and teenagers, and the influence these platforms have on their political understanding. Emphasised the importance of making the digital world safer for young users.

Mr Shannon commended the hon. Member for Lagan Valley for securing the debate and highlighted concerns over online abuse targeting politicians, particularly women and those of colour. He cited a survey showing high levels of abuse faced by MLAs in Northern Ireland and mentioned his own experience with vile comments on social media. Emphasised the mental health impact on children due to social media use, citing statistics on anxiety and depression among young people. Called for more responsibility from schools, teachers, parents, and Government to prioritise online safety.

Ms Ingham thanked the hon. Member for Lagan Valley for securing the debate and expressed concerns over threats and abuse received by MPs online, highlighting the anonymity granted to users as a major issue. She mentioned Facebook's data breach involving Cambridge Analytica, which endangered democracy. Criticised Meta's decision to stop using independent fact checkers, allowing misinformation to spread unchecked. Stressed the importance of curbing such issues for the safety and integrity of our democratic system.

The right hon. Member agreed with the need for regulation, emphasising the brutalization of political discourse by social media and advising new Members not to get involved in it.

The hon. Member supported the call for regulating social media appropriately and highlighted the importance of real-world contact over virtual engagement, citing community coffee mornings as an example of effective discussion on complex issues.

The hon. Member called for proactive measures to tackle the threat from social media and digital platforms, advocating for robust regulation to protect democracy and children's safety while condemning inaction by successive Governments.

The hon. Member stressed the importance of safeguarding public discourse from powerful actors manipulating it, highlighted the erosion of public trust in digital platforms, and discussed the impact of disinformation on democratic processes.

The hon. Member emphasised the distinction between real people and bots in online spaces, underlining the challenges faced by MPs in regulating non-person actors causing problems.

Agrees that voices in the House should be used to inflame and antagonise community tensions. Emphasises the need for stronger regulations, greater transparency, real accountability, meaningful education and training, ethical oversight, and governance that prioritises public interest over corporate interests. Calls for global consensus on these issues.

Supports the idea of creating spaces in schools and communities for nuanced debate to address the polarisation among younger generations, as highlighted by research showing that over 25% of young people prefer authoritarianism.

Expresses concern about social media's impact on democracy, citing examples such as the Netflix show 'Adolescence' and research highlighting radical content that fuels violence against women and girls. Calls for better regulation of platforms spreading misinformation and highlights the need to address housing and employment concerns to reduce disillusionment.

Highlights the destabilising impact of digital platforms on democracy, with 72% of Britons believing that social media negatively impacts young people. Reports personal experiences of abuse as an APPG chair, including hate speech and misinformation that was not acted upon by tech companies.

Agrees with Joani Reid on the impact of social media abuse on MPs' families and staff, emphasising the need for greater accountability from tech companies regarding harmful content.

Critiques the influence of unaccountable digital platforms in undermining democratic processes, citing examples such as misinformation during general elections and foreign interference. Advocates for a different vision of politics built on real people, engagement, and communities.

Jestingly comments on the quality of political debate on Twitter, highlighting the need for meaningful and informed discussions about pressing issues.

Spencer thanked Eastwood for securing the debate and highlighted the dual impact of social media on democracy, acknowledging both its potential to enhance political awareness and voter turnout while also warning about the risks of abuse against MPs and electoral interference from foreign actors.

Eastwood raised concerns about online harassment, intimidation, abuse, misinformation and disinformation, the impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, foreign interference in elections, and proposed a technological standard on digital watermarks to address AI-generated content and copyright issues.

Clark thanked Eastwood for securing the debate and shared concerns about online harassment. She outlined measures in place, such as the Online Safety Act, to protect users from illegal content and material harmful to children and women/girls. She also mentioned ongoing studies on smartphone usage by children.

Dodds discussed issues related to online safety, including the unrest last year, international collaboration on online safety, and the need for better understanding of trends causing harassment and intimidation. She emphasised the importance of protecting democracy from foreign interference.