Disinformation and ‘fake news’: Interim Report Contents

Contents

Summary

1 Introduction and background

Definition of ‘fake news’

How to spot ‘fake news’

Our recommendations in this Report

2 The definition, role and legal responsibilities of tech companies

An unregulated sphere

Regulatory architecture

The Information Commissioner’s Office

The Electoral Commission

Platform or publisher?

Transparency

Bots

Algorithms

Privacy settings and ‘terms and conditions’

‘Free Basics’ and Burma

Code of Ethics and developments

Monopolies and the business models of tech companies

3 The issue of data targeting, based around the Facebook, GSR and Cambridge Analytica allegations

Cambridge Analytica and micro-targeting

Global Science Research

Facebook

Aggregate IQ (AIQ)

The links between Cambridge Analytica, SCL and AIQ

4 Political campaigning

What is a political advert?

Electoral questions concerning the EU Referendum

Co-ordinated campaigns

Leave.EU and data from Eldon Insurance allegedly used for campaigning work

5 Russian influence in political campaigns

Introduction

Use of the data obtained by Aleksandr Kogan in Russia

The role of social media companies in disseminating Russian disinformation

Leave.EU, Arron Banks, and Russia

Foreign investment in the EU Referendum

Catalonia Referendum

Co-ordination between UK Departments and between countries

6 SCL influence in foreign elections

Introduction

General

St Kitts and Nevis

Trinidad and Tobago

Argentina

Malta

Nigeria and Black Cube

Conclusion

7 Digital literacy

The need for digital literacy

Why people connect on social media

Content on social media

Data on social media

A unified approach to digital literacy

Young people

School curriculum

Conclusions and recommendations

Annex

Formal minutes

Witnesses

Published written evidence

List of Reports from the Committee during the current Parliament




Published: 29 July 2018