A specialist unit set up last year to monitor and combat “fake news” and disinformation online is set to continue operating after its pilot phase was deemed a success by the Government.

The Rapid Response Unit, which is based across the Cabinet Office and Number Ten, has secured funding to continue its work for the foreseeable future after launching in April 2018.

The team – dubbed the “fake news unit” by the media – monitors online trends and decides the best way to respond to “stories of concern” with a Government and public services link.