England’s Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty has warned that mainstream media platforms risk amplifying misinformation by giving airtime to fringe health theories. He made the remarks during a speech at the Nuffield Trust Summit.

Whitty singled out the BBC and its Radio 4 Today programme, arguing that featuring what he called “quack academics” can give credibility to unproven ideas. He warned that legitimizing fringe voices could damage public understanding of science.

The health chief said such exposure can undermine critical campaigns, particularly vaccination efforts and other life-saving public health programs. Once individuals adopt misleading narratives, he noted, it can be extremely difficult to persuade them to reconsider.

Whitty explained that disinformation spreads through several channels including foreign actors, commercial interests, and individuals seeking attention. Some experts gain large followings online by promoting controversial theories, which he said can become “very addictive.”

He also warned that social media platforms dramatically amplify misleading claims, making minority views appear widely supported. Algorithms and automated accounts can magnify the illusion of consensus around inaccurate health information.

Whitty advised scientists to avoid engaging directly with professional conspiracy promoters. Debating them publicly, he said, risks spreading their claims further while giving them equal status with credible medical experts.