Truth Matters - tackling misinformation with facts

"How much do you trust everything you see and read online?

"Reports and studies over the last two years indicate there has been a worrying rise in misinformation and disinformation in the UK, amplified by social media algorithms, online influencers, and the misuse of AI. Unsurprisingly this has fuelled distrust in institutions, deepened political polarisation, and has led to real-world harm, including civil disorder.

"Myths and misinformation can cause confusion, distract from real issues and people's experiences, and in the worst case, cause division and hate. That's why we must all do everything we can to call out and counter misinformation.

"To be clear, that doesn't mean people shouldn't have different views and opinions on a wide range of issues. It's important to hear from a range of voices and nobody should try to shut down legitimate debate. But when facts are ignored or distorted and replaced by rumour and myths, we all have a problem.

"Take for example the increase in recent years in misinformation and disinformation regarding immigration and people seeking asylum, which is used to cause division.

"By all means talk about the issues. But there's a huge difference between debating a range of views on immigration and spreading false claims about migrants.

"That's why it is essential to challenge myths and misinformation, and I think it's important to put out the facts and set the record straight wherever we see misinformation replacing reality.

"Truth matters."

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