Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 48
48
Accepted in Part
Social media companies are a key component in tackling the dissemination of foreign information manipulation...
Conclusion
Social media companies are a key component in tackling the dissemination of foreign information manipulation and interference. It is our opinion that they are failing to tackle the threat of foreign interference on their platforms. The continued lack of algorithmic transparency by social media companies is restricting legitimate access by policymakers, academics and civil society who are seeking to examine how their content ranking systems are designed and potentially abused by malign actors posting controversial and incendiary content. This is not about policing content, but the design and processes used by online platforms to retain the engagement of users and its vulnerability to abuse. (Conclusion, Paragraph 215)
Government response summary AI-generated
The government partially agrees, acknowledging concerns about algorithms and noting Ofcom's existing powers, and commits to operationalising a legislated Researcher Access to Data Scheme through consultations and regulations later this year to provide legitimate data access to researchers.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted in Part
Partially agree. 87. We acknowledge concerns about the role of algorithms in amplifying harmful content, as set out in the Government’s response to the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee’s report on social media, misinformation and algorithms in September 2025. With this in mind, the Online Safety Act already gives Ofcom the power to request information on algorithm design, including as it relates to illegal mis- and disinformation. 88. We also agree that social media companies should provide legitimate data to researchers. This government has legislated to allow for a Researcher Access to Data Scheme, allowing for the first time independent researchers to have access to what has previously been private company data. We will be consulting on how to operationalise this scheme later this year before bringing forward regulations for both Houses to approve. This is in addition to Ofcom’s existing extensive powers on information gathering and transparency.
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