The proportion of Britons who are considered vulnerable to fake news and misinformation online more than doubled during lockdown. With the events of 2020 further eroding trust in institutions and government, there’s space for brands to assuage fears with clear and trustworthy information.

Young people are consuming the news in vastly different ways to generations before them, but news brands still don’t know how to speak to them. How can young people get the information they need to be informed citizens and is it time to rethink what news means for the next generation?

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top immunologist, has attracted a dedicated stanbase due to leading the US in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic. His popularity sheds some light on how people’s attitudes to experts, and leaders, may change in a post-pandemic world.

Following a move to restrict forwarding, WhatsApp has reported a significant decline in viral messages. With people worried about the consequences of fake news in the context of COVID-19, many are reevaluating their perceptions of free speech and prioritising truth above all.