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. 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.