Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Social Media Disinformation

Tuesday 16 June 2026 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department is taking diplomatic steps with international partners to tackle global social media disinformation.
  • Minister agrees to take the fight to sources of information warfare, having sanctioned 96 actors since October 2024.
  • Discussions are underway across Government Departments to demand greater transparency from social media companies.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

Social media platforms are being used for industrial-scale attacks designed to undermine democracies globally, with Russia targeting countries including the UK.

Question

What diplomatic steps is her Department taking to help tackle the global spread of disinformation on social media?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

An industrial-scale attack is being waged every day through social media, designed to undermine democracies. We are taking tough action with our international partners by exposing and sanctioning entities involved in this activity.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer mentions sanctions but does not provide specifics on diplomatic steps or actions beyond that.

How: Under Review, Taking Action

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Q2 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Ukraine
Context

Disinformation aimed at undermining Ukraine is flooding social media, necessitating a proactive approach.

Question

Does the Minister agree that in order to protect the people of Ukraine, we need to take the fight to the sources of this information warfare?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

I agree that we need to take the fight to these sources. Since October 2024, we have exposed and sanctioned 96 actors and entities involved in this type of activity.

Answered
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Q3 Jeremy Hunt Con Godalming and Ash
Foreign Affairs
Context

Facebook was used to recruit civilian death squads in Myanmar, and ethnic cleansing continues.

Question

At the UN General Assembly this year, will the Foreign Secretary hold a high-level meeting to look at this issue and shine a spotlight on the human rights abuses that continue to this day in Myanmar?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

The challenge of misinformation relates not only to Russia but also to states like Myanmar. We are working closely with partners to identify and tackle these networks.

Not addressed: The answer discusses general challenges of misinformation without addressing the specific request for a meeting on Myanmar.

How: Changing Subject

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Q4 Emily Thornberry Lab Islington South and Finsbury
Democracy & Elections
Context

The murder of Jo Cox raised awareness about the dangers of disinformation, which continues to pose a threat.

Question

My Committee recommends establishing a statutory public-facing national counter-disinformation centre. Can the Minister hold out hope that Britain might do this?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

We are looking closely at the suggestion and will continue the conversation with the Committee. We cannot make the promise requested.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges consideration but does not provide a specific timeline or commitment.

How: Cannot Make The Promise

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Q5 Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth
Standards & Ethics
Context

The Foreign Affairs Committee recommended greater transparency from social media companies to combat information manipulation.

Question

What discussions are being had with other Government Departments to demand greater transparency from social media companies?

Answer from Stephen Doughty

We are having discussions across Government, including recent meetings with the new Security Minister and the new Minister for the Armed Forces.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer mentions ongoing discussions but does not provide specifics on the nature of these discussions or their outcomes.

How: Discussions Are Ongoing

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