HIFA colleagues in the UK and around the world interested in misinformation may like to know about this BBC article which discusses the government's new online safety bill; if passed, the bill could see "social networks fined 10% of their global turnover if they fail to remove harmful content."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-60264178
The article touches on how the government addresses misinformation: "The government said the bill would not prohibit "misinformation" as long as those spreading it were unaware that what they were saying was false. It gave the example of a social media post encouraging people to inject themselves with antiseptic as a fake coronavirus cure. A court would have to prove the poster knew the information was false in order to convict them."
Best wishes
Julie
HIFA profile: Julie N Reza is a UK-based specialist in communications for biosciences, global health & international development (www.globalbiomedia.co.uk). She predominantly works with NGOs and not-for-profit organisations. Previously she was the senior science editor at TDR, based at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva; prior to this she worked at the Wellcome Trust, UK, leading educational projects on international health topics including trypanosomiasis and trachoma. She has a PhD in immunology and a specialist degree in science communication. She also has several years research and postgraduate teaching experience. She is a member of the HIFA Steering Group and HIFA Social Media Working Group. www.hifa.org/people/steering-group
www.hifa.org/people/social-media
www.hifa.org/support/members/julie
Email: naimareza AT hotmail.com
