Uswitch comments on Ofcom's latest findings that one in three consumers fail to spot online misinformation
Following the new findings from Ofcom that one in three consumers fail to spot online misinformation, Uswitch have issued the following comment.
Ernest Doku, broadband expert at Uswitch.com, says: “The internet is the main source of news for millions of people, and it is concerning how difficult consumers find it to identify accurate information online.
“Whether using online services at home or on the move with our mobiles, we have a mine of information at our fingertips every day. Yet from bogus reports and unverified videos to fake social media profiles it has become increasingly tough to separate fiction from fact.
“Ofcom’s findings that children as young as five have social media profiles mean the volume and accessibility of offensive and inappropriate content online are a serious cause for concern.
“Our research found that children are spending an average of 17 hours a week unsupervised online, with many parents saying they are too busy working to monitor what they’re seeing[1].
“Legislation is needed to stand up to the rise in misinformation and the Online Safety Bill currently going through Parliament is to be welcomed. If passed this will give Ofcom additional powers to help people live safer lives online.”
1. Uswitch: One quarter of UK children say cyberbullying gets worse during lockdown
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.