CIPR welcomes government decision to establish 'counter-disinformation unit'
The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) welcomes the government decision to set up a 'counter disinformation unit' - comprised of various departments across Whitehall to identify and respond to disinformation about COVID-19.
The unit will work closely with social media companies and communications experts to monitor interference and limit the spread of disinformation. This decision follows proposals to increase the tightening of social media regulations, as the government are set to appoint Ofcom as the new online harm's regulator.
We remind members of their commitment to the CIPR code of conduct – you must check the reliability and accuracy of information before sharing with the public. The national significance of this issue highlights the importance of the role of communicators. We welcome the government’s efforts to ensure greater accountability at a time when the need for truthful and accurate information is required.
- CIPR's Local Public Services (LPS) Group have published a list of links and resources relating to coronavirus. The information from the official sources can assist communications practitioners working in the local public sector and other fields.
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations
Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas with nearly 10,000 members.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).