Polis Analysis is concerned over a potential dilution of the Online Safety Act (OSA) by the UK Government. While we acknowledge the complexities of navigating diplomatic and economic considerations – particularly in balancing relations with key allies such as the US — we strongly believe that any move to weaken the OSA would be a serious setback in the fi ght against online harms.

The OSA, in its current form, is already inadequate in addressing the growing challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation. As noted in our evidence submission process during the OSA’s passing, the Act does not suffi ciently compel social media companies to take action against disinformation. The previous Parliament’s Defending Democracy Inquiry further highlighted gaps in UK law, allowing disinformation to spread unchecked. With incidents such as the Southport riots demonstrating the tangible harms of unregulated false information, it is clear that existing vulnerabilities must be addressed — not exacerbated by weakening the OSA.

The rapid advancement of artifi cial intelligence (AI) has also intensifi ed the risks associated with online disinformation. Generative AI models have lowered the threshold for bad actors to disseminate misleading content, while commercial Large Language Models (LLMs) often amplify falsehoods based on frequency rather than truth. While we understand the geopolitical diffi culties surrounding UK-US relations at this time, the digital dangers that threaten modern society require any amendments to the OSA to be expansive rather than restrictive.

A holistic approach to tackling online harms remains essential. Within this environment, enhanced digital literacy initiatives and the deployment of AI-driven solutions to counter online threats are critical. Research has shown that media and digital literacy programs can signifi cantly reduce susceptibility to disinformation without compromising free speech. Additionally, AI-powered tools have already proven effective in mitigating bias and detecting false content, as demonstrated by organizations such as AllSides, FullFact, NewsGuard, and GroundNews.

We also welcome the UK Government’s recent focus on integrating critical skills for combating disinformation into England’s school curriculum review. Evidence suggests that young people are particularly susceptible to harmful online content, with studies indicating heightened belief in conspiracy theories among teenagers. Given that a signifi cant proportion of children now engage with social media and digital platforms from an early age, equipping them with media literacy skills is a crucial step in strengthening societal resilience against online manipulation.

At Polis Analysis, we remain committed to using our research and advocacy to promote effective policy solutions that protect democracy and societal resilience. With an increasing share of the public consuming news and information online, it is imperative to safeguard information integrity against emerging threats. We call on policymakers to uphold the OSA, ensuring it remains a foundational tool in addressing the evolving challenges of the digital age.