Written question asked by Lord Strathcarron (Conservative) on Monday, 15 April 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 April 2024. It was answered by Viscount Camrose (Conservative) on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

National Security Online Information Team: Social Media

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the National Security Online Information Team flags social media posts that are deemed to be lawful to online platforms for potential breaches of terms of service.

Answer: As is the case with a range of national and international public and academic bodies, DSIT has trusted flagger status with the major social media platforms. The NSOIT is focused on the greatest risks to public safety and national security, which are agreed by ministers and regularly communicated to parliament. In specific circumstances, the NSOIT may flag online material where it is in line with ministerial steers, is on an issue within the team’s remit, and where the post appears to be in breach of the platform’s terms of service. Social media platforms decide whether or not content is a breach of their terms of service and, if so, what action to take.

Secondary information