Misinformation report contains fake news

A government-commissioned review into online misinformation has prompted concerns after identifying “anti-LGBTQ+” narratives and claims about “gender ideology” as examples of false and misleading information.

The 136-page report, False and Misleading Information: An Evidence Summary and Map for Policy and Practice, was commissioned by the Government Office for Science and produced by academics from the universities of Sheffield and Edinburgh. It reviews existing research on misinformation and makes recommendations for policymakers, but does not itself represent government policy.

Among the categories of misinformation discussed are “anti-LGBTQ+ narratives”, claims about “gender ideology” in schools and public institutions, “Pride event misrepresentation” and “transgender athlete controversies”.

The report has attracted criticism from Conservative MP Alex Burghart, who warned in the Telegraph that such approaches could be used to suppress legitimate political debate. He said they risked restricting speech from those “fighting for biological women’s rights, telling the truth about grooming gangs or criticising the EU”.

The controversy comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Government’s National Security and Online Information Team (NSOIT), formerly the Counter-Disinformation Unit, which monitors online information posing risks to national security and public safety. The unit has previously faced criticism after it emerged that officials flagged social media posts relating to Covid-19 restrictions and the Southport riots to online platforms.

Responding to concerns, a Government spokesman said: “This is an independent review and does not represent Government policy.

“It is, and always will be, an absolute priority for the Government to protect our democratic processes, including freedom of expression.”