SNP MP calls for social media giants to crack down on coronavirus disinformation

A senior SNP MP has called for stronger intervention by social media giants to remove disinformation and fake news regarding the coronavirus pandemic.

The SNP MP has written to bosses at social media giant Facebook

Stewart McDonald, the Nationalists' defence spokesman, has written to the chief executives of Twitter, Facebook and Google to ask them to enable "better disinformation reporting mechanisms for users", as well as simple guidance for the public to help better identify misinformation and disinformation regarding the global health crisis.

The MP for Glasgow South said: “Social media platforms are crucial in ensuring the flow of public health guidance – which is often changing rapidly – and making sure people are as up to date as possible.

“I have written to the chief executives of Twitter, Facebook and Google, calling on them to enable better reporting mechanisms for users, as well as simple guidance for the public to help better identify misinformation and disinformation.

“It is vital that social media companies make sure during this coronavirus crisis that their platforms are not weaponised to spread false information, which could endanger lives or cause panic and alarm.”

The NHS last week launched a new initiative to fight coronavirus misinformation, a day after the UK Government announced its own DCMS-led counter-disinformation unit, as conspiracy theories continue to spread on social media and elsewhere.

The health service’s efforts are focused on spreading accurate information about how to treat and prevent the virus.

In a statement last week, Facebook’s vice-president for Northern Europe, Steve Hatch, said the company was “determined” to ensure users “can access credible and accurate information”.

He added: “We’re also removing false claims and conspiracy theories which have been flagged by leading health organisations and that could cause harm to people who believe them.”