Over the past week, Britain has been grappling with escalating violence and unrest, with riots and anti-immigration attacks spreading across several towns and cities in the UK, fuelled largely by online misinformation.
But how easy is it to recognise and navigate false information online? Here’s our quick explainer…
Why is everyone talking about misinformation?
A stabbing attack on July 29 which killed three young girls in Southport, northwest England, has led to outbreaks of violent disorder across the country, as vast numbers of demonstrators, reportedly involved with far-right groups, clash with police officers and counter-protesters.
The widespread violence comes after misinformation was spread online about the identity of the 17-year-old male suspect, with false claims that he was an asylum seeker who had recently come to the UK by boat.
Social media platforms became hotbeds for unverified rumours, provocative claims, and outright lies — igniting anger and panic on a national scale.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the violence, making clear in a TV address that facilitating the spreading of misinformation will not be tolerated, and that the “full force of the law” will be felt by all those involved, both directly and online.
“Let me also say to the large social media companies and those who run them: Violent disorder, clearly whipped up online — that is also a crime. It’s happening on your premises, and the law must be upheld everywhere.”
Misinformation isn’t new, but the speed and scale at which it spreads in today’s hyperconnected world are unprecedented. A single piece of false information can go viral within minutes, reaching millions and causing real-world consequences.
What is misinformation — and how is it different from disinformation?
The terms misinformation and disinformation are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Misinformation refers to false or inaccurate information that is spread, regardless of intent. It occurs when people share incorrect information because they believe it to be true. The person spreading misinformation may have been misled themselves or simply misunderstood the information.
Disinformation is false information that is deliberately created and disseminated with the intention to deceive, manipulate, or mislead people. The creators and spreaders of disinformation are aware that the information is false, and their goal is often to influence public opinion, sow confusion, or cause harm.
Why is misinformation so dangerous?
Misinformation is both powerful and dangerous because it often plays on people’s emotions, triggering anger, fear, or outrage. This emotional response can easily cloud judgment, making people more likely to share without verifying the facts.
Confirmation bias often plays a role. This is when people are more likely to believe and spread information that aligns with their existing beliefs or fears, even if it’s not true. This bias makes it easier for false narratives to take root in online communities.
The issue is particularly potent on social media, where algorithms often create echo chambers (when users are exposed primarily to views that match their own). In these insular spaces, misinformation can flourish unchecked, reinforcing false beliefs.
WATCH: Nobel Prize laureate Maria Ressa on fighting misinformation online
How do we avoid falling victim to misinformation?
A crucial way to avoid falling victim to misinformation is developing awareness and strong digital literacy skills — which enable us to navigate the online information landscape with a critical eye.
Here are four key strategies:
1. Verify before you share: Before sharing any news or information, check its credibility. Look for multiple reputable sources reporting the same story. If the information comes from an unknown or dubious website, you should be skeptical.
2. Check the source: Consider the origin of the information. Established news outlets and academic sources are generally more reliable than anonymous blogs or social media posts. Use fact-checking websites like Full Fact to verify contentious claims.
3. Beware of emotional triggers: Misinformation often appeals to emotions. If a post or article elicits a strong emotional response — whether that’s fear, anger, or general outrage — take a moment to pause and investigate before reacting.
4. Understand the context: Misinformation often lacks context, presenting information in a misleading way. Make sure you understand the full story by reading beyond the headline and seeking out additional information.
What can be done to tackle misinformation?
While individual action is important, tackling misinformation on a larger scale requires systemic approaches.
Both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the UK’s Home Secretary Yvette Cooper have stated that social media platforms need to take greater responsibility for the content shared on their networks. This includes improving algorithms to identify and limit the spread of false information, and implementing stronger fact-checking measures.
WATCH: Yvette Cooper shares her comments this week following a meeting of the government’s emergency response committee (Cobra) as riots continue in several British towns and cities.
It’s also important that governments and organisations promote credible sources of information. Encouraging people to rely on trustworthy news outlets rather than social media for news updates can reduce the spread of false information.
Media outlets must adhere to high journalistic standards, avoiding sensationalism and providing context to their reports. And individuals need to remain vigilant, skeptical, and responsible in how they consume and share information.
What role will the Online Safety Act play?
The UK’s recently-introduced Online Safety Act will soon come into full effect. This landmark legislation aims to hold online platforms accountable for the content shared on their networks, with a particular focus on protecting users from harmful content, including misinformation.
The Act mandates that social media companies and other online platforms take proactive steps to identify and limit the spread of harmful content, including misinformation. Platforms that fail to comply could face substantial fines and other penalties.
Online platforms will be required to publish regular transparency reports, detailing their efforts to combat misinformation and other harmful content. This will allow regulators, the public, and the media to scrutinise the effectiveness of these measures.
The Act empowers Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, to enforce these new rules, giving it the authority to investigate and sanction platforms that fail to meet their obligations.
WATCH: Nobel Prize laureate Maria Ressa on fighting misinformation online
