Mis/Disinformation Hub
The Role of Ofcom
Ofcom is the UK's communications regulator. It has responsibilities under the Online Safety Act to help make online services safer and reduce harms caused by illegal and harmful content.
Online Safety Act
The Online Safety Act 2023 places legal duties on online platforms to protect users from harmful and illegal content.
Key requirements include:
- Online services must assess and manage the risks of harmful content.
- Companies must take action against illegal content on their platforms.
- Additional protections are required for children and young people.
- Platforms are expected to have measures in place to reduce the spread of harmful misinformation and disinformation.
Ofcom Research
Research commissioned by Ofcom highlights how common misinformation has become and the challenges people face when identifying it online.
- 43% of UK adults say they have encountered misinformation or AI-generated content online
- More than 75% of adults believe it is important to check multiple sources before trusting information
- Around 33% of adults are not confident in their ability to identify AI-generated images, videos or audio
- Approximately 25% of adults have used a fact-checking website or tool, with BBC Verify being one of the most recognised services
- 90% of adults are concerned about the impact misinformation can have on society
- Misinformation is most commonly encountered in relation to politics, current affairs and health information
- Read the full report
Understanding how misinformation spreads and knowing how to check information can help you make informed decisions online.