Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Social Media Misinformation and Algorithms 2025-07-17

17 July 2025 · 7 other contributors

Opened by Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central

Culture, Media & Sport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Chi Onwurah raised concerns about social media misinformation and algorithms 2025-07-17 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The UK faces challenges in regulating global tech giants regarding misinformation.
  • The statement calls for a future-proof online safety regime based on five principles.
  • The Chairwoman urges the Government to address the limitations of the Online Safety Act 2023.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central

The statement highlights the challenges faced by the UK in regulating global tech giants, particularly in addressing misinformation amplified by opaque recommendation algorithms. It emphasises the need for a future-proof online safety regime based on five key principles: public safety, free and safe expression, responsibility, control, and transparency. The Chairwoman expresses concern over the inadequacy of the Online Safety Act 2023 and urges the Government to adopt these principles.

Other contributors (7)
  • Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge

    The Member highlights the susceptibility of young people to misleading content, suggesting a review of raising the digital age of consent for social media platforms from 13 to 16. He expresses concern over the proliferation of harmful content online.

  • Liz Twist Lab Blaydon and Consett

    The Member raises concerns about suicide and self-harm-related content on social media, pointing out that more than three quarters of individuals surveyed by Samaritans first saw such content at the age of 14 or younger. She questions how to tackle and monitor this issue.

  • Tom Gordon LD Harrogate and Knaresborough

    The Member thanks Dame Chi Onwurah for her report and expresses appreciation for its relevance to the Joint Committee on Human Rights' inquiry into AI and human rights. He highlights the interconnectivity of different parliamentary committees in addressing technology-related issues.

  • Chi Onwurah

    Acknowledges the concerns raised about the role of social media companies in regulating content, supports the principle that platforms should be held accountable for their actions, and calls for research into effective fact-checking methods.

  • Jon Pearce Lab High Peak

    Raises concern over the immediate impact of harmful online content on young people, urging social media companies to implement recommendations without waiting for government action.

  • Allison Gardner Lab Stoke-on-Trent South

    Highlights the need for accountability and enforcement in regulating AI-generated content, recommending clear standards and penalties for non-compliance.

  • Samantha Niblett Lab South Derbyshire

    Critiques the shift towards targeted digital marketing on platforms like WhatsApp, calling for better regulation to protect users' mental health and privacy.

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