Misinformation: addressing and preventing consumer harm

A new report from the Credit Services Association is calling on the Government and Information Commissioner to turn the tables on online ‘influencers’ who give inaccurate advice to unsuspecting consumers, including those already facing significant problem debt. The new report has found that one of the biggest issues facing these consumers is searching online for trustworthy help and understanding what steps to take to resolve their situation.

The report – Misinformation: Addressing and preventing consumer harm – recommends Ministers strengthen existing Online Safety Act protections against inaccurate and potentially financially harmful online advice, and is calling for a unified, cross sector response involving regulators, government bodies and consumer organisations to agree on interventions that would support consumers in debt to get accurate information and guidance online. 

Read the CSA's report on how misinformation is harming consumers

View the report
CSA Man White

A word from the author
Daniel Spenceley Staff Photo

Daniel Spenceley

Head of Policy
"It is frequently the most vulnerable who face the consequences of trusting in misinformation and we need to act now to empower the authorities to take action to tackle it. If stakeholders and policymakers act on the recommendations we are making, we believe this will help reduce harm and minimise opportunities for bad actors to exploit misinformation."