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Online Filter Bubbles: Misinformation and Disinformation — [Sir Mark Hendrick in the Chair]
16 January 2024
Lead MP
John Penrose
Weston-Super-Mare
Con
Responding Minister
Saqib Bhatti
Tags
EconomyCommunity SecurityDemocracy & ElectionsCulture, Media & SportScience & Technology
Word Count: 13995
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
John Penrose raised concerns about online filter bubbles: misinformation and disinformation — [sir mark hendrick in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP proposes implementing a modern digital version of broadcasting code principles such as the duty of balance and undue prominence to address disinformation in online filter bubbles. He calls for cross-party consensus and prompt action given the high stakes involved.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The MP is concerned about the proliferation of fake news and disinformation online, highlighting issues such as radicalisation, democratic interference in elections, and the impact on public health due to medical misinformation. He points out that while the Online Safety Act takes some steps towards addressing factual inaccuracies, there remains a lack of measures targeting one-sided narratives.
Pontypridd
The hon. Member is making a very important point. I have tried repeatedly to find answers from the Government's Counter Disinformation Unit, which has been dormant despite being set up to counteract disinformation. Alex Davies-Jones highlighted the importance of addressing gaps in the Online Safety Act, emphasizing cross-party consensus and the need to tackle disinformation. She mentioned the live-streaming of atrocities in Israel on social media platforms, questioning why the Government did not take concerns seriously during the Bill's progression. Davies-Jones also expressed worries about the role AI plays in spreading misinformation and asked for reassurances that the Government has a plan to combat it ahead of elections. She cited examples of real-world harm from health disinformation, such as the measles outbreak linked to declining vaccine uptake due to false information, and questioned why platforms' business models were not considered in regulation. She raised concerns about online extremism translating into real-life radicalisation, noting that hate and harassment experienced by MPs could escalate into offline abuse. Davies-Jones mentioned a £1.5 billion cost to the UK economy from online harm and urged the Government to address these issues seriously.
Andrew Percy
Con
Brigg and Goole
I am extremely concerned about misinformation on a range of subjects, including the vaccine debate during the pandemic, racist commentary in immigration discussions, and conspiracy theories related to antisemitism. Andrew also highlighted the proliferation of disinformation following the conflict in the Middle East, citing examples such as denial of Hamas's responsibility for attacks and false flag claims involving Israel.
Chris Evans
Lab Co-op
Caerphilly
Chris Evans expressed concern about the impact of online filter bubbles on democracy, particularly highlighting the challenges faced by MPs who receive conspiracy theories and abuse from constituents. He noted that these bubbles can trap individuals in a feedback loop of their own preconceptions and limit freedom of thought.
Damian Collins
Con
Tunbridge Wells
Collins highlighted the threat of disinformation, both from foreign states and domestic conspiracy networks. He mentioned a significant portion of American Republicans believed Donald Trump won the last election despite evidence to the contrary. Collins emphasised that trust in institutions is crucial for democracy's functioning. The Counter Disinformation Unit was discussed as part of government strategies against disinformation. He supported the Online Safety Act, which holds platforms accountable for promoting harmful content. Collins also warned about social media companies using AI-generated content from legitimate news sources to undermine journalism.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
He congratulates the hon. Member for securing a timely debate and agrees that the prevalence of fake news is overwhelming, referencing a quote about not believing everything read on the internet.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon thanked the hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare for securing the debate and highlighted the critical issue of filter bubbles and disinformation in the digital age. He stressed the importance of transparency from social media platforms, advocating for disclosure of how algorithms work to prevent unintended consequences. Shannon also emphasised the need for education to equip individuals with critical thinking skills and to challenge preconceived notions. He called for collaboration between Government, technology companies, and civil society to develop policies that promote ethical use of algorithms and media literacy initiatives. Shannon questioned what steps the Minister's Department would take to engage platforms such as Meta and Google in building a more user-educated and factually informed society.
John Nicolson
SNP
Nigg, Ness and Sutherland East
John Nicolson discussed the impact of social media on public discourse, highlighting the venomous responses he received from individuals who disagreed with him. He mentioned the concept of online filter bubbles, which are designed to increase user engagement by showing content based on biases, leading users into a frenzy and affecting their beliefs. He also cited an example where Facebook warned its staff that its algorithms exploit human brain's attraction to divisiveness.
Justin Madders
Lab
Ellesmere Port and Bromborough
Madders emphasised the need for greater transparency in social media algorithms to prevent individuals from being trapped in echo chambers. He highlighted the impact of online misinformation on democratic processes, citing examples such as conspiracy theories influencing government policy. Madders also expressed concern over foreign powers using social media to manipulate elections and stressed the importance of addressing these issues before they escalate.
Stewart McDonald
SNP
Glasgow North
The MP highlighted the fragmented approach to tackling misinformation and disinformation across different government departments. He expressed concern over a lack of coherent strategy, mentioning that responsibility is spread unevenly between various ministries like Culture, Media and Sport, Foreign Office, Home Office, Ministry of Defence, and Cabinet Office. McDonald advocated for a whole-society national strategy, similar to those in Finland and Latvia, involving multiple sectors including public institutions, private sector, NGOs, civil society, and individuals.
Government Response
Saqib Bhatti
Government Response
I am conscious of time and of the broad range of this debate, but I will try to address as many issues as possible. I commend my hon. Friend the Member for Weston-super-Mare for securing this important debate on preventing misinformation and disinformation in online filter bubbles. Since the crisis began, the Technology Secretary and I have already met with the large social media platforms X, TikTok, Meta, Snap and YouTube. My predecessor and the Technology Secretary also held a roundtable with groups from the Jewish community such as the Antisemitism Policy Trust to discuss Muslim hate, which has been on the rise. The Government are committed to preserving freedom of expression while ensuring online platforms take responsibility for harmful effects. The Online Safety Act focuses on safety by design; social media platforms will need to assess risks and take steps to mitigate them, with Ofcom setting out codes of practice. Platforms must implement systems and processes for filtering out and moderating content that could drive extremism, including removing illegal abuse or harassment and state-sponsored disinformation. The defending democracy taskforce is meeting regularly to protect our democracy. I am very confident that the Online Safety Act will be a vital factor in dealing with these issues through its insistence on social media companies addressing them and holding them accountable.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.