UK Government Mounts Offensive Against COVID-19 Disinformation
The UK government has launched a multi-pronged attack against the rising tide of false and misleading information surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Specialist units, including the Rapid Response Unit operating from within the Cabinet Office and No 10, are working tirelessly to identify and counteract harmful narratives circulating online. These narratives range from unqualified ‘experts’ peddling dangerous medical advice to sophisticated phishing scams designed to exploit public anxieties. The government estimates that up to 70 such incidents, often involving complex narratives containing multiple misleading claims, are being addressed every week. This proactive approach underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the public has access to accurate, reliable information to protect themselves and minimize the spread of the virus. Public awareness remains a key element of this strategy, and the popular "Don’t Feed the Beast" campaign is being relaunched to empower individuals to critically evaluate online content.
The government’s counter-disinformation efforts encompass a range of tactical responses. When false narratives are detected, the Rapid Response Unit collaborates with various government departments to tailor the appropriate response. This may involve directly rebutting misinformation on social media, working with platforms to remove harmful content, or actively promoting public health campaigns through trusted sources. The Unit collaborates closely with the wider Counter Disinformation Cell, led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This Cell brings together experts from across government and the tech sector to analyze the scope and impact of COVID-related disinformation. The aim is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the evolving disinformation landscape and to strengthen defenses against it.
Cooperation with social media companies is a vital aspect of the government’s strategy. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to combat misinformation. He stated his intention to engage directly with social media companies to assess current progress and explore further measures to ensure accurate information reaches users. This week, he will be contacting these companies to acknowledge their efforts so far, but also to press for enhanced action against the spread of falsehoods and rumors that could potentially cost lives. Dowden stressed the critical need for the public to adhere to expert medical advice and stay at home, measures crucial to protecting the National Health Service and saving lives.
Paymaster General Penny Mordaunt highlighted the dangers of misleading medical advice circulating online, citing examples such as the false claim that holding one’s breath for ten seconds can test for coronavirus, or that gargling water is a cure. She underscored the government’s commitment to countering such harmful narratives by promoting official medical advice through trusted health bodies. While government communicators work to debunk falsehoods and expose criminal exploitation, the public also has a vital role to play. Mordaunt urged individuals to exercise caution and critical thinking before sharing information online, emphasizing simple steps like reading beyond headlines and scrutinizing sources.
The government has provided the public with practical tools to identify and combat misinformation, including the "SHARE" checklist and the "Don’t Feed the Beast" campaign. This checklist provides a five-step process: check the Source, read beyond the Headline, Analyze the facts, look for signs of Retouching in images or videos, and be wary of Errors in grammar and spelling. These simple steps can help individuals distinguish credible information from potentially dangerous falsehoods. The government recognizes the need for continued vigilance and public engagement in the fight against disinformation, especially given the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic.
Recognizing that disinformation is frequently used as a geopolitical tool, the UK government is also strengthening international collaboration. By sharing assessments of coronavirus disinformation with allies, the UK aims to foster a collective understanding of malicious information operations and improve defenses against them. This international cooperation builds on existing efforts to enhance cybersecurity and counter disinformation campaigns, providing a more robust and coordinated response to the global threat. These measures come in the wake of recent warnings from the National Cyber Security Centre regarding the growing threat of cyberattacks seeking to exploit the pandemic. This includes phishing emails and malware distribution, highlighting the need for vigilance and proactive defense measures in the online space. The collective effort to combat disinformation, both domestically and internationally, reflects the government’s commitment to protecting public health and national security in the face of the ongoing pandemic.