Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ofcom: Crisis Response Protocol 2026-07-01

Wednesday 1 July 2026 · 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

  • Government has asked Ofcom to expedite updates to codes of practice under the Online Safety Act 2023
  • Government wants tougher accountability and faster action on risky platforms
  • Ofcom conversations include considering categories of harm and reviewing misinformation in crisis playbooks

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
Context

The question arises from the need to address misinformation during crises, as highlighted by recent riots in Epsom and Ewell where false information spread widely despite police clarification.

Question

What discussions has she had with Ofcom on updating crisis response protocols under the Online Safety Act 2023?

Answer from Kanishka Narayan

The Government has asked Ofcom to expedite work on updates to codes of practice under the Online Safety Act 2023. Platforms face strict duties to deal with illegal content, and those with higher risk must do more to prepare for heightened risks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to a uniform set of crisis response standards was not given.

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Q2 Helen Maguire Lib Dem Epsom and Ewell
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

False information was viewed over 2 million times during riots, highlighting the need for clear crisis protocols.

Question

Will the Minister commit to directing Ofcom to establish a single set of mandatory crisis response standards for platforms?

Answer from Kanishka Narayan

The Government wants tougher accountability, faster action on risky platforms, and has asked Ofcom to expedite codes. However, the approach is risk-based rather than uniform, focusing resources on greater risks.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to a single set of mandatory standards was not given.

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

The Select Committee report on social media, misinformation, and harmful algorithms was published a year ago following the Southport riots. False information played a significant role in the Belfast riots.

Question

What conversations has he had with Ofcom about including misinformation in its crisis response protocol?

Answer from Kanishka Narayan

Ofcom conversations include empowering users, following up on recommendations from the Select Committee report, and considering categories of harm as part of crisis playbooks. Misinformation is under review.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to include misinformation in the protocol was not given.

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