Plans to hand established broadcasters and media companies greater prominence on digital platforms such as YouTube and TikTok have been unveiled, as ministers warned online misinformation risked becoming “existential for our democracy”.

In proposals that set up a new clash with global tech companies, content from the likes of the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 would have to be awarded more promotion by their algorithms – with special rules considered for times of social unrest or crisis.

It comes after a concerted campaign by the UK’s public service broadcasters (PSBs), who have also been arguing their content needs to be safeguarded to protect the “shared social fabric of the UK”.