6 Acknowledged

Social media algorithms amplify harmful content, exposing users, particularly young people, to risks

Conclusion
Internet users are exposed to large volumes of harmful and misleading content which can deceive, damage mental health, normalise extremist views, undermine democracy, and fuel violence. We are concerned by the evidence that recommendation algorithms—integral to the advertisement- and engagement-driven business models of social media companies—play a role in this. Young people are particularly vulnerable to these harms, and 53 those born today will never have known a world without AI—we plan to explore in detail the impact the online world has on their developing brains in our future work. (Conclusion, Paragraph 26)
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledged the committee's concerns about harmful online content and algorithms, outlining existing legislative and non-legislative measures such as the Online Safety Act 2023 and efforts to enhance media literacy.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government Acknowledged
The government is grateful to the House of Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee for their report on “Social Media, Misinformation and Harmful Algorithms”. The report examines the challenges posed by social media algorithms in amplifying harmful and misleading content, and highlights the importance of upholding public safety, free expression, platform accountability, user control, and transparency in shaping the UK’s approach to online safety. We take seriously the Committee’s recommendations and acknowledge the challenges posed by misinformation on social media platforms, especially when amplified through platform business models and design. Accordingly, this response outlines a variety of legislative and non-legislative measures implemented across government to address the factors contributing to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. These initiatives include the regulatory provisions introduced by the Online Safety Act 2023, as well as ongoing efforts to enhance media literacy. Multiple approaches have been, and continue to be implemented to address the issues related to misinformation and disinformation, while also maintaining the utmost consideration towards freedom of speech.
Addressee Bodies
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.9 yr
Report published 11 Jul 2025