New campaign to stop disinformation distorting UK politics

A new campaign has been launched to ensure future British elections are not wrecked by online misinformation. There is mounting concern that falsehoods spread on social media and online platforms threat to distort democracy with dangerous consequences.

Campaign founder Praful Nargund, who became the first Labour candidate to lose in Islington North since 1935 when he stood against Jeremy Corbyn last year, said: "Tackling online misinformation requires leadership across every level of public life."

The Truth Matters campaign is pushing for a change in the law which would expand the scope of the Online Safety Act by explicitly recognising electoral disinformation as a harmful online threat. While Section 106 of the Representation of the People Act (1983) already prohibits the deliberate spreading of lies about candidates, campaigners say is rarely enforced in practice.

An opportunity to make this a reality could come as the Government introduces promised legislation to "protect our democratic system and culture". Supporters include Dame Angela Eagle and Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price as well as council leaders.

Mr Nargund said last year he faced a "barrage of disinformation" and said this can "travel quickly online, move offline and create a climate of toxicity for all involved". The director of Mr Corbyn's campaign insisted in the local press the election effort was not "remotely dirty" but was "full of hope".

Dame Angela Eagle MP added: "The rise of online misinformation is a major challenge. When lies spread faster than facts, it weakens democracy, fuels division, and puts people at real risk."

Bolton West MP Phil Brickell said: "Online misinformation and disinformation is a serious threat to our democracy, our institutions, and the safety of our communities. Tackling this challenge head-on is essential if we want to rebuild public trust in a digital age."

Truth Matters is intended to be the "beginning of a broader, cross-party movement for reform".