Social media giants questioned on online safety and influencer culture

The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee holds two separate evidence sessions. The first is from the DCMS Committee’s inquiry into Influencer Culture, the second is from the DCMS Sub-Committee on Online Harms and Disinformation’s inquiry into Online safety and online harms.  

MPs are likely to ask whether further cultural sanctions on Russia are planned and if the Government is concerned about investments in UK sport from other nations with poor human rights records such as China and Saudi Arabia. 

The Committee will also hear from disinformation experts on the capacity for British institutions and upcoming legislation to combat Russian mis and dis-information. Ofcom may face questions on the future of regulating RT and Sputnik. The impact of big tech and social media firms on foreign propaganda is also likely to be considered.  

Chair's comment

DCMS Committee Chair Julian Knight MP said: 

“This morning’s announcement that Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the Government and emerging details of the likely effect on one of the country’s biggest football clubs illustrates the deep and wide-ranging impact such measures will have on sport in this country. Our session with the Sports Minister and bosses from the FA and Premier League will explore issues around the role of Russian money in our national game and will examine the Government’s approach to financial sanctions targeted at specific individuals and its general policy on sporting sanctions and boycotts. We will also be probing what can be done to counter the growing campaign of disinformation and propaganda emanating from Russia on the war in Ukraine.”