PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Misinformation and Suicide: Internet (16 March 2021)

In December 2020, we published the Full Government Response to the Online Harms White Paper consultation, which sets out new expectations on companies to keep their users safe online.

Under a new legal duty of care, in-scope companies will need to remove and limit the spread of illegal content and protect children from harmful content and activity online. This includes illegal content on websites which encourages or incites suicide online, with all companies expected to take swift and effective action against such content. Companies will also be required to tackle illegal disinformation, for example, where this contains direct incitement to violence, such as encouraging burning down phone masts on the false premise they spread coronavirus.

We also recognise that some users, including young adults, may be exposed to harmful content that relates to self-harm or suicide which does not breach a criminal threshold. The major companies will also have a duty to tackle legal but harmful content, including material which relates to self-harm or suicide, which can have a serious psychological and emotional impact. These companies will also need to set out what content, including misinformation and disinformation, is acceptable in their terms and conditions. If what is appearing on their services does not match up with the promises made to users, Ofcom will be able to take enforcement action.