Foreign State Actors Disinformation 2026-03-05
2026-03-05
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the trend of disinformation by foreign state actors, particularly from Russia, which has been characterized as an immediate and evolving threat to public discourse and democracy.
What assessment has been made of trends in levels of disinformation by foreign state actors, particularly from Russia, which is an immediate and evolving threat characterised by divisive information operations and the manipulation of public discourse?
The Government have sanctioned 38 organisations for information warfare since 2024, enforced the Online Safety Act 2023, and built media literacy skills for young people to engage with information critically. The UK has sanctioned three foreign information and manipulation targets responsible for destabilising Ukraine and undermining European democracy.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP refers to a meeting with Meta's representative who was unable to confirm whether the company is doing enough to prevent foreign actors from using social media to undermine democratic rights and freedoms. He also mentions the Second Reading of the Representation of the People Bill, which aims to strengthen democracy.
Given that Meta's representative was unable to confirm whether the company is doing enough to prevent foreign actors from using social media to undermine democratic rights and freedoms, and with the Second Reading of the Representation of the People Bill seeking to strengthen democracy, does my hon. Friend agree that we need to get tougher with social media companies that are not doing enough to address foreign interference on their platforms?
The hon. Friend agrees that social media platforms have a very important role to play in safeguarding our democracy. The foreign interference offence is a priority offence under the Online Safety Act 2023, which places duties on social media platforms to tackle illegal content and requires proactive action to identify and minimise users' exposure to state-linked interference. The Government will not hesitate to go further to protect citizens and democracy from this threat.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy