Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Anti-vaccination Disinformation Online

Tuesday 17 November 2020 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Culture Secretary and the Minister regularly discuss with social media platforms the necessary actions to combat vaccination disinformation online.
  • Social media companies have agreed not to profit from covid-19 vaccine disinformation and to respond swiftly to such content.
  • Social media companies are working proactively to promote accurate information from the NHS and to tackle inaccurate vaccine content.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Damian Collins Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP seeks details on discussions between the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and himself to address vaccine misinformation.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on tackling anti-vaccination disinformation online; and if he will make a statement.

Answer from Matthew Hancock

The Culture Secretary and I regularly discuss with social media platforms the necessary actions to combat vaccination disinformation online. Social media companies who have attended meetings agreed to ensure no user or company profits from covid-19 vaccine disinformation and to respond swiftly when we flag such content.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for a formal statement was not addressed

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Q2 Damian Collins Con
NHS
Context

The MP stresses the importance of public confidence in vaccines amid growing concerns about the impact of an anti-vaccine movement.

Question

Given that a vaccine is available, it's crucial to build public trust. The anti-vaccine movement poses a threat to public health. Should social media companies not only remove anti-vaccine content upon notification but also proactively seek and eliminate such material?

Answer from Matthew Hancock

Absolutely, it is essential to tackle disinformation by promoting accurate information from the NHS about vaccine effectiveness while taking action against inaccurate content. Social media companies are working proactively with us to ensure this happens.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific request for proactive measures was not fully addressed, focusing more on positive information dissemination

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