While the internet and social media can lead to the rapid spread of falsehoods and dubious claims, they can also be used to check quickly such claims and expose lies (Trump and Brexit herald a brave new word: post-truth, 16 November). Would it not be possible to extend the powers of the Electoral Commission so that it can disqualify a candidate who persistently tells untruths and makes questionable claims that cannot be verified? This would not be a challenge to free speech as it would not stop people expressing opinions. But if they followed up these opinions with alleged facts that they could not verify, then they would be required to issue a withdrawal of the claims, with equal prominence to the way they were first stated. For example, if they were made in an election leaflet, then the candidate would be obliged to issue a new leaflet to deliver to the same households that received the originals, stating which facts were untrue or unverifiable. Candidates would then need to be more guarded in what they say.
Chris Jager
Malmesbury, Wiltshire
• One of the most damaging outcomes of the so-called educational reforms of the past 30 years has been the reduction in the curriculum of state schools of learning and experiences that help pupils to differentiate between fact and opinions, and to know how to recognise, challenge and check out biased views. This aspect is more important than ever since young people are now bombarded by messages from social media as well as from television, newspapers and radio. In order to protect our democracy, schools must be encouraged to help their students to understand, for example, the vested interests of the owners and users of all types of media; and to investigate the claims and promises made by politicians.
John Gaskin
Driffield, East Yorkshire
