Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Richard Holden (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Friday, 10 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Broadcasting Programmes: Russia

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether (a) her Department and (b) Ofcom has made an assessment of the potential implications for its polices on foreign interference online of the potential use of the animated television series Masha and the Bear as a vehicle for Russian propaganda.

Answer

Government takes the threat of foreign interference seriously and works across departments, intelligence partners and regulators to identify and respond to state-linked information threats. However, it is not this department’s function to routinely assess individual television series. We work closely with other departments, including the Home Office and FCDO, to respond to existing and emerging threats.

Ofcom is the independent communications regulator, and any assessment of compliance with relevant broadcasting requirements is a matter for Ofcom.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15460
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Children Broadcasting programmes Television Russia Propaganda
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk