Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Far-right Online Conspiracy Theories

Thursday 4 February 2021 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government takes the issue of disinformation, including far-right conspiracy theories, very seriously.
  • Tackling disinformation in all its forms, including vaccine disinformation, remains a key priority for the UK.
  • The online safety Bill will introduce a duty of care to address online harms such as harmful disinformation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question addresses concerns over the proliferation of far-right conspiracy theories that undermine public health initiatives such as vaccine roll-outs.

Question

What steps are being taken to prevent the spread of far-right conspiracy theories online?

Answer from Caroline Dinenage

The Government take the issue of disinformation, including far-right conspiracy theories, very seriously, and DCMS is leading work across Government to tackle this. Our counter-disinformation unit brings together monitoring and analysis capabilities across Government, and we work closely with social media platforms to ensure that swift action is taken and authoritative sources of information are promoted.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific steps or commitments beyond general statements about seriousness and ongoing work.

How: We Are Committed

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Q2 Gill Furniss Lab Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough
Democracy & Elections Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There is a pressing concern about the spread of disinformation, particularly vaccine-related misinformation, which undermines public health measures. The questioner believes that social media companies must take responsibility.

Question

To tackle far-right extremism and conspiracy theories that undermine our vaccine roll-out, new legislation is urgently needed. Social media companies must take responsibility for the content shared on their platforms. Can the Minister therefore update the House on when the online harms Bill will be introduced, and give her assurances that the Bill will achieve this vital aim, which will keep our country safe?

Answer from Caroline Dinenage

I thank the hon. Lady for her question. As I have said, tackling disinformation in all its forms, including vaccine disinformation, remains a key priority for the UK. The online safety Bill will introduce a duty of care that requires companies to address online harms such as harmful disinformation that could impact on people's health and safety on their platforms, and this legislation will be put forward this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific timing for the Bill introduction or detailed assurances about its effectiveness.

How: Key Priority

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Q3 Chi Onwurah Lab Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question highlights the widespread issue of extremism online that has become so pervasive it cannot be effectively policed, according to UK Counter Terrorism Policing. There is a call for immediate action.

Question

No one should have to accept racist abuse full stop, and no one should be subject to extremist grooming or have their lives endangered by anti-vax misinformation, but they are. Will the Minister say what steps she has taken to protect us?

Answer from Caroline Dinenage

Of course, we want the internet to be a very safe space for all users. We are committed to tackling extremist views, racist views and views that promote violence, hatred and division. The online harms framework will require companies to have clear terms and conditions about how they would respond to such hateful content.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not provide specific steps or commitments beyond general statements of commitment.

How: We Are Committed

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