MPs call for online regulator over ‘dangerous claims’ about Covid-19
MISINFORMATION ABOUT coronavirus was allowed to spread widely across social media because legislation is still not in place to regulate social media platforms, MPs have warned.
The Misinformation In The Covid-19 Infodemic Report, published by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee, said an online harms regulator must be appointed now to hold social media platforms to account.
The report has argued that until the proposed duty of care on tech companies is introduced as part of legislation to regulate social media and online platforms, internet companies will not be compelled to act.
MPs also accuse the platforms of using business models which disincentivise action against misinformation while affording opportunities for some to monetise misleading content.
Julian Knight, the committee’s chairman, said: “We are calling on the Government to name the regulator now and get on with the ‘world-leading’ legislation on social media that we’ve long been promised.
“The proliferation of dangerous claims about Covid-19 has been unstoppable.
“The leaders of social media companies have failed to tackle the infodemic of misinformation.”
The report highlighted the spread of false claims online linking 5G to the virus, resulting in threats being made against telecoms engineers, as a clear sign of the dangers misinformation can pose. It also highlighted evidence of a serious public health impact from misinformation, with false claims about home remedies and cures for the virus.
MPs said the spread of financial scams online during the pandemic was further evidence of the Government needing to act.
The committee has called on Ministers to publish draft legislation in the autumn, alongside a full consultation response to the Online Harms White Paper, if a finalised Bill is not ready. MPs said the final decision on a regulator should be made now.
Earlier this year, the Government said it was “minded” to appoint Ofcom but had not yet confirmed that decision.