Fake news is a ‘crisis in our democracy’, MPs warn in new report
2 min read
Democracy is facing a 'crisis' because of the rise of fake news, MPs have warned.
The investigation by the influential Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, called for major updates in electoral law to combat the spread misinformation online.
It also suggests major tech companies like Facebook and Twitter should do more to stop malicious propaganda being shared on their platforms.
Committee chairman Damian Collins said the issues represent a “crisis in our democracy…based on the systematic manipulation of data to support the relentless targeting of citizens, without their consent, by campaigns of disinformation and messages of hate".
He added: “Data crimes are real crimes, with real victims.
“This is a watershed moment in terms of people realising they themselves are the product, not just the user of a free service.
“Their rights over their data must be protected.”
Among its proposals, the report calls for a new tax on social networks to pay for digital literacy lessons in schools.
The report was criticised by Dominic Cummings, former campaign director of Vote Leave.
Mr Cummins leaked the report online two days ahead of its scheduled publication date, writing: “f*** the charlatans”.
He added a link to the report on his blog, captioned: “Here is the DCMS Report on Fake News. It is…fake news.”
Earlier this month, the Electoral Commission fined Vote Leave for breaching electoral spending limits, channelling money through another campaign group BeLeave.
It has also been revealed how Vote Leave used targeted Facebook ads to help win the EU referendum.
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