UK Strengthens Regulation, Plans to Mandate Social Media Prioritization of Public Service Media

LONDON, June 22 (CNA) – The UK government is considering mandating social media platforms to prioritize public service media like the BBC and other trusted news sources in user feeds and search results, as part of its efforts to strengthen industry regulation.

Reuters reported that the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport stated today that it is studying requirements for platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to make content from public service media like the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4, as well as other trusted news providers, more easily searchable in user feeds and search results.

This move by UK authorities comes just a week after the announcement of a ban on most social media platforms for minors under 16.

Data from Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, shows that social media has become the primary source of news for most adults in the UK, and for about three-quarters of young people aged 16 to 24.

Another study by the same organization in 2024 found that four out of every 10 UK adults encountered misinformation within a single month, with most of it originating online.

UK Secretary of State for Culture, Lisa Nandy, stated in a release: "It is vital that people can more easily access trustworthy and accurate news, and that compliant public service media are seen and heard in the fierce battle against misinformation and disinformation."

Authorities stated that increasing the visibility of compliant news providers will help curb the spread of misinformation, which is indispensable during times of crisis.

However, any measures that interfere with platform content ranking could face strong scrutiny from social media companies, which have stated that such regulations could override user choice and disadvantage other creators.

Social media platforms such as X, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The proposed measures are part of a large-scale overhaul of the UK's public service media system, aimed at helping broadcasters compete with streaming platforms and adapt to changing audience viewing habits.

The government is also considering extending the scope of public service media to include online-only media, extending the protection of free access to major sporting events to on-demand video services, and consulting on the transition from traditional broadcast television to internet television by 2034 or 2044. (Compiled by Qu Xiangping) 1150623

Stand with facts, your every sponsorship is a force to protect press freedom

Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates

The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.