Scottish Health Information Integrity Strategy

Executive Summary

This strategy responds to one of the most challenging issues of our time: the growing volume of false or misleading health information circulating in our communities. Whether shared innocently or created with intent to cause harm, false health information can sow doubt, damage trust and affects choices we make. We are all exposed to false information, whether on- or offline, and are all to some degree susceptible to its effects.

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated just how challenging it can be to address societal health threats amid widespread false information. The landscape has shifted considerably since 2020. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence and a social media ecosystem in flux, it has never been easier to create and spread false information. Against this backdrop, public trust in government continues to decline. Supporting trusted voices in our communities to sensitively and empathetically have discussions with people who may be vulnerable to false health information must be a cornerstone of any approach.

In an increasingly unpredictable world, future health emergencies including pandemics are all but inevitable. Aligning with wider UK and international practice, this strategy focuses on three pillars: leadership and coordination; building Scotland’s resilience to false information; and rapid response. The detailed actions in this strategy (page 31) have been jointly agreed by Scottish Government, Public Health Scotland and Education Scotland in consultation with the NHS and many other stakeholders. They set out the initial steps needed to create a response which is ethical, coherent and evidence-based and which uses – wherever possible – existing assets and expertise.