From Aditi KhannaLondon, Jan 30 (PTI) A group of influential UK British MPs today announced a parliamentary inquiry into the "growing phenomenon" of fake news, its sources and impact, stating that it is "a threat to democracy and undermines confidence in the media in general". "The growing phenomenon of fake news is a threat to democracy and undermines confidence in the media in general. The cross-party MPs will investigate whether the way advertising is bought, sold and placed online has encouraged the growth of fake news. They also want to address the responsibility of search engines and social media to stop spreading it. The issue was thrown into the spotlight especially during the US presidential campaign, when fake news like the Pope supporting Donald Trump gained social media traction.

Source: India Today January 30, 2017 12:13 UTC