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<p>The Government takes the issue of disinformation very seriously and DCMS is leading
work across Government to tackle it. In response to the harmful disinformation and
misinformation relating to Covid-19 we stood up the Cross-Whitehall Counter Disinformation
Unit on 5 March 2020, which brings together cross-Government monitoring and analysis
capabilities.</p><p> </p><p>We are working with social media platforms to support
the introduction of systems and processes that promote authoritative sources of information,
and to help them identify and take action to remove misinformation, in line with their
terms and conditions.</p><p> </p><p>We have seen positive steps taken by social media
platforms to curtail the spread of harmful and misleading narratives related to Covid-19
and promote the Government and NHS messaging on the matter. However, there is clearly
more to do, and we will continue to put pressure on platforms to ensure that their
policies and enforcement are fit for purpose, whilst still respecting freedom of expression.</p><p>
</p><p>The Online Safety Bill will bring in a new legal duty of care on how online
companies will work in practice, giving them new responsibilities towards their users.
The Bill will tackle dangerous disinformation and misinformation, such as misleading
content about coronavirus vaccines, and will help bridge the gap between what companies
say they do to address harmful content, and what happens in practice.</p><p> </p>
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