Anti-vaccination Extremism 2021-02-08
2021-02-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
MP notes that misinformation online undermines public health efforts, particularly in communities where local councillors are actively promoting vaccinations.
What steps the Government are taking to tackle covid-19 anti-vaccination extremism posted online. I have seen the brilliant work Labour councillors in Hounslow, Swindon and Blackburn have been doing to appeal to communities to take the vaccine. This work is being undermined by misinformation on social media, and is literally a matter of life and death. What plans do the Government have to bring forward legislation on, for example, financial and criminal penalties for social media companies that fail to act to stamp out this dangerous anti-vaccine content?
The Government is focused on countering disinformation and misinformation regarding the vaccine. Work is taking place across Government, involving sanctions and penalties through the online harms Bill targeting social media platforms. The NHS remains trusted as a source of information.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific legislative plans for financial or criminal penalties were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
MP notes that misinformation online undermines public health efforts, particularly in communities where local councillors are actively promoting vaccinations.
What plans do the Government have to bring forward legislation on, for example, financial and criminal penalties for social media companies that fail to act to stamp out this dangerous anti-vaccine content?
The Government is focused on countering disinformation and misinformation regarding the vaccine. Work is taking place across Government, involving sanctions and penalties through the online harms Bill targeting social media platforms.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific legislative plans for financial or criminal penalties were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
MP notes that misinformation online undermines public health efforts, particularly in communities where some individuals are hesitant to accept the vaccine.
The spread of disinformation and anti-vaccine content on social media is presenting a real danger to the NHS in its efforts to vaccinate against covid-19. In an agreement with the social media giants it was revealed that their only commitment was not to profit from or promote flagged anti-vax content, but there was no commitment to close down these groups. Is it not time that the Government got tougher to stop the anti-vax message getting through?
The Government is very clear about taking action against false information, working across all Departments. Action is being put on social media platforms when disinformation materialises.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to get tougher were not detailed
Response accuracy