UK eyes rules to push trusted news on social media feeds

The UK government is considering new measures that could require major social media platforms to give greater prominence to content from “trusted” news publishers, as part of a broader push to combat misinformation and strengthen public service media, according to a Reuters report.Under the proposal, platforms such as Meta-owned Facebook, Alphabet’s YouTube and TikTok could be mandated to make content from recognised public service broadcasters—including the BBC, ITV and Channel 4—as well as other verified news providers more visible in user feeds and search results. The aim is to ensure that credible, regulated sources are easier for audiences to find in an increasingly crowded and algorithm-driven information ecosystem.The move is being explored by the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of wider reforms to media regulation and digital platforms. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the proposal is intended to improve access to accurate information at a time when misinformation and disinformation continue to spread rapidly 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,” Nandy said in a statement, highlighting the growing importance of credible journalism in the digital age.The consideration comes amid shifting consumption trends in the UK, with social media now serving as a primary news source for a majority of adults and an even larger share of younger users. Data from media regulator Ofcom shows that around three-quarters of people aged 16 to 24 rely on social media for news, while earlier research found that four in ten UK adults encountered misinformation online within a single month.Also read: Telegram restored on Play Store after temporary India block during NEET-UG re-examOfficials believe that boosting the visibility of trusted news providers could play a role in countering such misinformation, particularly during major public events or crises where accurate information is critical. The proposal, however, is expected to raise concerns among technology companies, which have historically resisted government intervention in how their algorithms rank and recommend content.Social media firms are likely to argue that such requirements could interfere with user choice and disadvantage independent creators or smaller publishers who may not fall under the definition of “trusted” or regulated media. At the time of the report, companies including Meta, TikTok, YouTube and X had not responded to requests for comment.The proposal forms part of a broader overhaul of the UK’s public service media framework. In addition to platform regulation, the government is also exploring measures such as extending public service status to online-only providers, protecting access to major sporting events in on-demand environments, and planning a long-term shift toward internet-based television delivery.