Social media firms have lost public trust – survey

AN overwhelming majority of the public believe social media companies do not do enough to tackle bullying, illegal activities and the spreading of extremist content on their sites, a major online survey of 33,000 people has found.

Most people think companies like Facebook and Twitter are not regulated enough (64%) and lack transparency (63%), according to the Edelman Trust Barometer.

Just over half (57%) believe social media firms take advantage of users’ loneliness and 62% think they are selling people’s data.

It showed seven in 10 people believe social media companies do not do enough to stop illegal or unethical behaviour on their platforms. Around one-third (34%) do not think social media is a force for good in society.

Facebook, Twitter and other online giants have faced intense criticism from MPs over the way they deal with offensive or extreme content and the Government has warned they face penalties if they refuse to tighten up.

Ed Williams, chief executive officer of Edelman UK, said: “The public want action on key issues related to online protection. Failure to act risks further erosion of trust.”

The study also found trust in government remains languishing at just 36%, the same as 2017. But trust in party leaders Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn has risen over the last 12 months.

Distrust in business is fuelled mainly by concerns over high executive pay (58%), tax avoidance (56%) and a lack of transparency in business dealings (45%).