The Pat Kenny Show Disinformation slot with David Robert Grimes
Nov 27, 2025
David Robert Grimes, a physicist and the author of 'The Irrational Ape', dives into the complexities of public information about criminal suspects. He discusses how rumors can spark unrest and reviews the UK's proposed reforms on disclosure to combat misinformation. Grimes highlights how the far right weaponizes speculation online and the impact of motivated reasoning on public beliefs. He also references studies showing people's ideological biases can distort their understanding of facts, especially regarding immigration issues in Ireland.
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Speculation Drives Social Unrest
- Online speculation about suspects' ethnicity or immigration status fuels unrest and violence.
- The UK Law Commission is considering publishing identity details after charging to counter misinformation.
Southport Case Misidentified The Attacker
- The Southport attacks produced widespread online claims that the attacker was an immigrant when he was UK-born.
- That false speculation helped fuel riots and public disorder.
Delay Personal Details Until Charge
- Limit contempt liability to when a suspect is formally charged rather than merely arrested.
- Let judges decide case-by-case whether publishing details reduces misinformation or increases risk.
