Britain is considering measures that would require social media companies to prioritise what the government describes as trusted news sources, as part of its broader push to tighten regulation of the sector.
The culture department said on Monday it is exploring rules that would oblige platforms such as Meta’s Facebook, Alphabet’s YouTube, and TikTok to make content from public service broadcasters—including the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4—as well as other approved news providers, more prominently featured in users’ feeds and search results.
Government Push Against Misinformation
The move comes a week after the government announced a ban on under-16s using most social media platforms.
Data from media regulator Ofcom show social media has become a main source for a majority of UK adults and around three-quarters of younger people aged 16 to 24. Separate Ofcom research from 2024 found four in 10 UK adults had encountered misinformation in a single month, most of it online.
“It is vital that we make sure that people have better access to trusted and accurate news and that our regulated public service media is seen and heard in the fierce battle against mis- and disinformation,” culture minister Lisa Nandy said in a statement.
Wider Media Reform
Boosting the visibility of regulated news providers could help tackle misinformation, particularly during crises, the government said.
However, any move to influence how platforms rank content is likely to face scrutiny from the social media firms, which say such rules could override user choice and disadvantage other creators.
X, Meta, TikTok and YouTube did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The proposals form part of a broader overhaul of Britain’s public service media system to help broadcasters compete with streaming platforms and shifting viewing habits.
Ministers are also considering widening public service media status to include online-only providers, extending free-to-air protections for major sporting events to on-demand viewing, and consulting on a shift to internet-based TV from 2034 or 2044.
(With inputs from Reuters)
