The dangers posed by misinformation have rarely been more stark than they were in Southport on Tuesday night.

In the wake of a horrific incident in the Merseyside town, that remains the subject of police investigation, unfounded rumours regarding the perpetrator’s identity began to spread, seemingly started by accounts masquerading as legitimate news sites.

Despite police and government officials dismissing this information as false, it was spread on social media and promoted by prominent figures, whipping up anger that manifested in discrimination and violence on Tuesday night.

While this is not the first time misinformation has led to these outcomes, it needs to be the incident that sparks serious conversations and changes regarding how misinformation is promoted and spread.

Impress is therefore calling on politicians, media organisations and community groups to convene and collaborate with urgency to improve public news literacy, journalistic standards and discuss future legislation that can help tackle this ongoing and increasingly threatening problem.

Media enquiries

Louie Chandler: louie@impressreg.org.uk / 02033076778

About Impress 

Impress is a champion for news that can be trusted. We are here to make sure news providers can publish with integrity; and the public can engage in an ever-changing media landscape with confidence. We set the highest regulatory standards for news, offer education to help people make informed choices and provide resolution when disputes arise.