49 Accepted in Part

The Government should require social media companies to publish algorithmic transparency data (logic and biases),...

Recommendation
The Government should require social media companies to publish algorithmic transparency data (logic and biases), provide legitimate data access to researchers free of charge and without cumbersome restrictions, and oblige platforms to publish an annual report on the detection of artificial amplification and foreign interference and the subsequent actions taken to remove such content. (Recommendation, Paragraph 216)
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, noting the Online Safety Act already gives Ofcom powers to request algorithm design information. It agrees social media companies should provide legitimate data to researchers and will be consulting on how to operationalise a new Researcher Access to Data Scheme, but does not address requiring annual reports on artificial amplification and foreign interference.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government Accepted in Part
Partially agree. We acknowledge concerns about the role of algorithms in amplifying harmful content, as set out in the Government’s response to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee’s report on social media, misinformation and algorithms in September 2025. With this in mind, the Online Safety Act already gives Ofcom the power to request information on algorithm design, including as it relates to illegal mis- and disinformation. We also agree that social media companies should provide legitimate data to researchers. This government has legislated to allow for a Researcher Access to Data Scheme, allowing for the first time independent researchers to have access to what has previously been private company data. We will be consulting on how to operationalise this scheme later this year before bringing forward regulations for both Houses to approve. This is in addition to Ofcom’s existing extensive powers on information gathering and transparency.
Source
Committee Foreign Affairs Committee
Inquiry Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy
Report 4th Report - Disinformation diplomacy: How malign actors are seeking to undermine democracy 27 Mar 2026 HC 703
View on Parliament website
Addressee Bodies
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 27 Mar 2026