Bath & North East Somerset Council has launched a new online webpage to help residents quickly identify reliable information and spot misleading claims circulating online.
The digital world is changing fast, and with it the spread of false or confusing information. Often this happens unintentionally, but it can also be shared deliberately to mislead. The council’s new webpage brings together clear, practical tools to help people check whether content comes from a genuine, trustworthy source and to verify facts before sharing them.
The page explains the differences between the three main types of false information, as defined by the Local Government Association:
- Misinformation – false information shared without intent to mislead
- Disinformation – false information shared deliberately to deceive
- Malinformation – genuine information presented in a misleading way
Residents can find simple steps to assess whether information is reliable, including checking the source, looking for evidence, watching out for manipulated images or video, and being alert to sensationalist language. The page also links directly to trusted channels such as the council’s newsroom and the weekly e‑connect newsletter, along with fact‑checking sites used nationally.
The new webpage also signposts current council projects and consultations, giving residents an easy way to access up‑to‑date facts in one place. It forms part of the council’s wider commitment to open, transparent communication and follows work across the organisation to strengthen approaches to mis/disinformation, as discussed in recent internal meetings on the council’s fact‑checking framework and digital communications strategy.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member Communications and Community, said: “This new webpage is about helping residents feel confident in the information they see every day. By making it easier to check facts and understand where content comes from, we’re supporting people to make informed decisions and reducing the impact of misleading claims.”
Residents can explore the new webpage now and learn more about how to navigate information confidently online.
