From BBC News to Fact-Checking Frontier: An Interview with Full Fact CEO Chris Morris
Chris Morris, former BBC journalist and current CEO of Full Fact, the UK’s independent fact-checking charity, discusses the challenges and opportunities of navigating the evolving information landscape. In a wide-ranging interview, Morris shares his insights on the decline of trust in politics and the media, the rise of AI-generated misinformation, the importance of media literacy, and Full Fact’s ongoing efforts to hold power to account.
Morris reflects on his transition from journalism to the non-profit sector, emphasizing the significance of ensuring access to accurate information in an era of rampant misinformation. He acknowledges the shift away from deferential news consumption, welcoming healthy skepticism but cautioning against the dangers of unchecked narratives proliferating online. He clarifies that Full Fact’s mission is not to arbitrate truth, but to provide a foundation of verifiable facts upon which informed political debate can flourish.
The conversation explores the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes and their potential impact on elections. Morris notes the relatively low impact of such technology in the recent UK general election, attributing this in part to the decisive nature of the outcome. He acknowledges, however, the potential for malicious actors to exploit sophisticated AI tools in future elections, particularly in closely contested races. Morris stresses the critical role of education and lifelong learning in equipping individuals with the critical thinking skills necessary to discern fact from fiction in the digital age.
The decline of local journalism is identified as a significant risk to media trust. Morris highlights the importance of rebuilding local news outlets from the ground up, emphasizing the higher levels of trust enjoyed by local journalists due to their proximity to the communities they serve. He also underscores the need for people to trust information sources beyond their immediate surroundings, advocating for a multi-faceted approach to fact-checking that incorporates context, nuance, and narrative analysis.
The interview delves into the issue of declining public trust in politicians. Morris suggests that the adversarial nature of political journalism, with its focus on personalities over policies, contributes to this erosion of trust. He calls for more accessible and nuanced reporting on complex policy issues, arguing that this would better serve the public and foster a more informed electorate. He also emphasizes the responsibility of politicians to rebuild trust by demonstrating accountability and transparency.
Turning to Full Fact’s own practices, Morris outlines the organization’s commitment to transparency and rigor in its fact-checking processes. He describes the safeguards in place to ensure accuracy and accountability, including the provision of source links and the public acknowledgment of any errors. He emphasizes that admitting mistakes is a strength, not a weakness, and encourages politicians to adopt the same approach.
The discussion then shifts to the role of political institutions in combating misinformation. Morris highlights Full Fact’s work with parliamentary committees to improve the process of correcting the record in Hansard. He suggests that Parliament should consider mechanisms for holding MPs accountable for consistently misleading the public, even if such statements are made outside of Parliament, particularly on social media. He also expresses Full Fact’s reservations about criminalizing lying in politics, advocating instead for clearer, more transparent processes within Parliament for maintaining standards.
The impact of the Online Safety Act is also addressed. Morris acknowledges that the Act will have some effect, especially regarding illegal content and content aimed at children. However, he expresses concern that the vast majority of misinformation falls outside the scope of the Act, leaving Ofcom powerless to intervene. He calls for greater pressure on internet platforms to share data on misinformation trends and for stronger regulations on legal but harmful content.
Morris provides insights into Full Fact’s engagement with social media platforms. He notes limited interaction with Twitter/X, but more substantial engagement with Google and Meta. He describes Full Fact’s participation in Meta’s third-party fact-checking program, explaining how the program provides context and encourages critical thinking without resorting to content removal.
Finally, Morris discusses Full Fact’s new tool for tracking government commitments, highlighting its importance in holding the government accountable for its promises. He explains the rationale behind launching this initiative under the current government with its substantial majority, suggesting that it offers a valuable resource for citizens interested in monitoring the government’s progress on key policy areas. This tool, he argues, is a concrete step towards increasing transparency and fostering greater public trust in the political process.