Democracy at risk due to fake news and data misuse, MPs conclude

Parliamentary inquiry to demand urgent action to combat 'relentless targeting of hyper-partisan views'

The Cambridge Analytica Files: read the Observer's full investigation

Democracy is at risk unless the government and regulators take urgent action to combat a growing crisis of data manipulation, disinformation and so-called fake news, a parliamentary committee is expected to say.

In damning conclusions to a report leaked by former Vote Leave campaign strategist Dominic Cummings before its official publication on Sunday, the digital, culture, media and sport (DCMS) committee adds to the growing calls for tougher government regulation of social media companies. It accuses them of profiting from misleading material and raises concerns about Russian involvement in British politics.