A staggering eight in ten (80%) Brits support food-style warning labels on websites and apps carrying misinformation, according to new research commissioned by the nonprofit Online Responsibility Network.
The research is released on the inaugural Online Responsibility Day, taking place today (Thursday 24th September).
The day raises awareness of the need for both consumers and brands to act against online harms, supporting positive digital engagement and safer online spaces for young people.
The event is officially launched by campaigners and parenting influencers Anna Whitehouse, also known as Mother Pukka, Rab Moudallal and Alison Perry.
Representatives from major brands will unveil a billboard in central London depicting the internet as an unhealthy food with warning labels attached.
The billboard reveals the Online Responsibility Network’s new trust mark which will be given to platforms and brands who are committed to improving online trust and safety. Consumers can use the trust mark to certify a brand or platform has taken action to improve their online safety standards.
Brits back new internet warning labels amid fears of online harms
A new poll of 2,000 consumers found growing demand for greater transparency online:
- Three quarters (76%) of adults are more likely to use websites, apps and social media platforms displaying an online safety trust mark.
- More than eight in ten (82%) parents would prefer their children to use platforms carrying an online safety trust mark.
- Parents of 10-17-year-olds are amongst the strongest supporters of online safety trust marks, with 85% wanting clear signs that platforms used by their children take online safety seriously.
Amanda Manning, Director at the Online Responsibility Network said:
"For many of us, the internet can feel like a constant stream of information, advice, opinions and content, with very little help in knowing what or who to trust. That's why our findings are so significant - they're telling us that people want clearer signs that the websites, apps and platforms they're using are taking their safety seriously."
"That's the thinking behind today's billboard. We wanted to start a conversation about the way we navigate the online world and highlight the fact that, just as we expect clear information about the food we consume, more and more people want greater transparency online too."
"Our online safety trust mark has been created with that in mind. It's not about telling people where they should spend their time online. It's about giving them greater confidence and more information so they can make informed choices."
Anna Whitehouse, Founder of Mother Pukka said:
"Most of us wouldn't buy food without checking what's in it, yet every day we're consuming huge amounts of online content with very little information about how safe or trustworthy it is."
"People are hungry for more transparency online. Whether it's misinformation, harmful content or simply understanding which platforms are taking safety seriously, families want clearer information so they can make informed decisions."
"We're all guilty of scrolling on autopilot sometimes. Online Responsibility Day is a good reminder to pause, be a bit more curious about what's appearing in front of us, and think about the digital spaces we're choosing to spend our time in."
As part of Online Responsibility Day, the public is being encouraged to complete three simple checks when using the internet:
Check your accounts – Review your privacy settings, security tools and who can contact or view your information online.
Check your feed – Take a moment to consider what content you are consuming, who is creating it, and whether it is accurate, trustworthy and age-appropriate.
Check the platforms you use – Choose platforms that demonstrate a commitment to online safety, transparency and accountability, and which provide clear tools to protect users from harm.
Online Responsibility Day is run by Online Responsibility Network which launched earlier in 2026 to help brands improve their online safety standards and implement the OSA and wider online safety regulations from across the world.