The editorial titled “The Guardian view on Russian disinformation: a foreign threat that relies on UK complicity,” published on September 23, accurately highlights that Andy Burnham’s concerns regarding the Kremlin represent only part of a broader issue. I would argue that disinformation is merely a symptom of a larger failure to effectively regulate the platforms that have become essential components of our national infrastructure.
The detrimental effects of this situation are widespread. Research indicates that engagement-driven algorithms negatively impact the mental health of young individuals. The same mechanisms that facilitate the spread of foreign propaganda also contribute to the radicalization of far-right groups domestically, a point underscored by your coverage of the unrest in Belfast and Southampton. Furthermore, the emergence of new wearable technologies, such as Meta’s smart glasses, normalizes the act of recording individuals without their consent or knowledge.
While it is crucial for the government to enhance its approach to combating disinformation, this step alone is insufficient. Platforms that gain financially from disseminating harmful content must be held accountable through enforceable responsibilities, penalties that reflect their scale, and a commitment to transparency regarding the algorithms that dictate the content users encounter.
Having spent my professional life in the payments sector, I can assert that infrastructure of such magnitude would never be permitted to operate without stringent regulations, independent supervision, and accountability for failures. There is no justification for allowing these platforms, which influence the beliefs of millions, to be held to a lesser standard.
Addressing the Kremlin’s network of bots is important, but until these platforms are made accountable for the content they promote across all areas of society, we will continue to address only the symptoms rather than the underlying issues.
Aneet Morar, London
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