MPs will launch an inquiry into fake news after concern that inaccurate information is being spread on social media.
The Commons culture, media and sport committee will start taking evidence next month on new ways of responding to misinformation online.
Fears that the public are being fed propaganda have increased after suggestions that voters in the US elections were bombarded with fake stories that could have had an impact on the result.
“The growing phenomenon of fake news is a threat to democracy and undermines confidence in the media in general,” Damian Collins, the committee’s chairman, said. “Just as major tech companies have accepted they have a social responsibility to combat piracy online and the illegal sharing of content, they also need to help address…