Combating Misinformation And Disinformation A Call For A National

The Existential Threat of Misinformation: A Call for a National Strategy In an increasingly interconnected world, the rapid dissemination of information through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), coupled with the rise of artificial intelligence, has created a fertile ground for the spread of... This phenomenon poses a significant threat to public health, democratic processes, and global stability. High-profile figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with their millions of followers, exemplify the immense reach and potential impact of online communication, underscoring the urgency of addressing the spread of false or misleading information. The sheer volume of information circulating online makes it challenging for individuals to discern credible sources from those peddling misinformation, further exacerbating the problem.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists have both issued stark warnings about the escalating dangers of misinformation and disinformation, labeling it an existential threat to humanity. The WEF report highlights how the spread of false narratives amplifies existing global risks, from armed conflicts to extreme weather events. It cites the manipulation of voter intentions by foreign entities, the sowing of doubt about events in conflict zones, and the tarnishing of the image of products or services as prime examples of the... The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, meanwhile, emphasizes how misinformation exacerbates existing threats like nuclear war, climate change, and emerging diseases, creating a volatile and unpredictable global landscape. The erosion of trust in credible sources and the blurring of lines between truth and falsehood further complicate efforts to address these critical challenges. In Australia, the detrimental impact of misinformation is readily apparent in the context of public health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Misinformation surrounding vaccines and other public health measures significantly undermined public trust and hampered efforts to control the virus. Professor Linda Slack-Smith, from the University of Western Australia, underscores the seriousness of this issue, stating that misinformation and disinformation are no longer a mere nuisance but a societal threat. The pandemic provided a stark illustration of how easily misinformation can spread and the devastating consequences it can have on public health outcomes. The lessons learned from this experience highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy to combat misinformation and disinformation. Croakey Health Media, in its pre-budget submission, has called for the development and implementation of a national strategy to address this pressing issue. They argue that the current state of our news and information systems constitutes a public health emergency, jeopardizing democracy, evidence-informed policy, and the wellbeing of communities.

The submission calls for a whole-of-government approach, involving all levels of government and across all sectors, to tackle this challenge effectively. This comprehensive strategy must encompass systemic efforts to support credible sources of information, particularly independent media and community-driven public interest journalism. This support is especially crucial in "news deserts," areas lacking local news media, and regions dominated by corporate media, where diverse perspectives are often marginalized. As the digital age accelerates the spread of information across the globe, the scourge of disinformation has emerged as a dire threat to the fabric of democracy and the integrity of national security. High-profile incidents on the international stage, such as the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar and the anti-balaka violence in the Central African Republic, underscore the devastating impact of disinformation. These events, fueled by misleading narratives spread via social media and other channels, led to severe humanitarian crises and acts of violence.

Similarly, in the United States, disinformation has significantly escalated protests and violence across the ideological spectrum, as evident in events like the Pizzagate conspiracy, the January 6 Capitol protest, and some Black Lives Matter... A 2022 report reveals a concerning trend: a majority of Americans, cutting across political lines, now view disinformation as a more critical issue than a range of threats, from infectious diseases to terrorism to... This growing concern is reflected in statistics: 71 percent of respondents believe disinformation exacerbates political polarization, 63 percent see it as a violation of human rights, and over 50 percent report feelings of anxiety... Confronting the proliferation of disinformation presents a complex and multifaceted challenge for US policymakers and senior leaders. Their tasks include navigating a rapidly evolving communications landscape, countering global powers intent on rewriting international norms, and bridging the divides within the nation’s political arena. Striking a balance between safeguarding free speech and ensuring the dissemination of truthful information is an intricate endeavor demanding nuanced consideration.

The collaborative effort between the executive branch and Congress in understanding and managing disinformation is a topic of ongoing debate and reflection. Recognizing the depth and breadth of disinformation is crucial in devising more effective defense mechanisms. Currently, there exists a significant gap in our comprehension of disinformation and our capability to mitigate its detrimental effects. The proposal for a bipartisan commission to bridge this gap is gaining traction. Such a body would be committed to an in-depth study of disinformation, crafting potent countermeasures, and formulating strategies to protect the United States and its global allies from the adverse consequences of these deceptive... A declassified intelligence report shed light on the international dimensions of disinformation campaigns during the 2020 US elections.

It revealed that Russia, under President Vladimir Putin’s direction, orchestrated operations aimed at undermining the candidacy of Joe Biden while bolstering support for then President Donald Trump. Concurrently, Iran, authorized by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, conducted covert cyber campaigns designed to impede Trump’s bid for reelection. Despite their support for opposing candidates, both nations shared a mutual goal: to diminish public trust in US institutions, erode confidence in the democratic process, and intensify political divisions within the United States. The report highlights an environment of heightened international meddling as a major internal threat of political instability. A Quinnipiac University poll underscores this sentiment, revealing that 76 percent of Americans perceive domestic political instability as a more critical danger than the threat posed by foreign adversaries, which just 19 percent of... This widespread concern transcends political divides, pointing to a collective anxiety.

Such internal discord, if left unchecked, not only undermines the nation’s stability but also potentially aids foreign powers like Russia and Iran in their efforts to erode trust in US institutions and deepen societal... Rappler CEO and Nobel Prize laureate Maria Ressa addresses the opening of the 14th Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Image: Suzanne Lee, Alt Studio for GIJN Maria Ressa — a 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and co-founder of the pioneering investigative outlet Rappler — opened the 14th Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC25) in Malaysia with a powerful call for the... At a global moment of rampant authoritarianism, emboldened tech oligarchs, media funding freezes, and both cyber and physical attacks on journalists, Ressa used her keynote address to warn that many press freedoms may only... But she recounted her own personal experience of persecution in the Philippines to show how a relentless commitment to hold powerful actors accountable — even in the face of repression — can lead to...

“I had 11 arrest warrants in 2019 — that was the year Rappler became profitable,” she noted, prompting cheers from the audience. She acknowledged that the repeated arrests of newsroom leaders was “not exactly a sustainable business model” for others to emulate, but noted Rappler’s turnaround was an example of how audiences can rally around a... She also cast it as an extreme example of how “crisis is opportunity” for resource-challenged and harassed newsrooms worldwide. Referring to Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, Ressa prompted cheers from assembled journalists when she pointed out why she remains optimistic about the future of investigative journalism. “I want to tell you why I remain optimistic, why I think we can do this,” she said. “It’s because the man who tried to jail me and close Rappler down was arrested in March this year, and he’s now at The Hague for crimes against humanity.

So you see: if you keep doing your jobs and collaborate together, impunity ends.” Misinformation and disinformation can be a threat to our democracy. It can divide communities. It can make it harder for people to make informed choices — at the ballot box, at the grocery store and at the doctor's office. No one is immune. "We just don't have the time, the cognitive resources or even the motivation to literally fact-check every piece of information that comes our way," says Briony Swire-Thompson, director of the Psychology of Misinformation Lab...

People trust information more when it comes from sources or cultural contexts they are familiar with, so talking to your loved ones can make a difference. The big picture idea here? Start from a place of connection, not correction. Here are six ways to combat misinformation. "[The terms] mis- and disinformation trigger a sort of reaction, and usually distaste," says Sarah Nguyễn, a doctoral candidate at the University of Washington Information School who studies how people share information with each... She says the terms have become politicized.

The framework to combat online misinformation provides a strategic roadmap to address the growing challenge of false and misleading information in an interconnected world. Misinformation threatens public health, democracy, social harmony, and economic stability, requiring proactive and coordinated efforts. The framework integrates global imperatives with localized solutions to build a resilient information ecosystem that fosters trust and informed decision-making. While achieving zero misinformation is the ultimate goal, challenges such as evolving tactics, digital literacy gaps, and content regulation complexities necessitate continuous adaptation and collaboration. At its core, the framework is built on seven pillars: (1) clear definitions and scope, (2) cultural context and sensitivity, (3) legal framework and ethical balance, (4) education and empowerment, (5) technological innovation, (6)... These pillars reflect the dynamic interplay between global standards and local adaptations, providing a structured approach to counter misinformation effectively.

Each pillar is underpinned by carefully defined dimensions that offer actionable guidance tailored to address specific challenges and leverage unique opportunities. The framework’s dimensions delve deeper into the pillars, addressing critical components such as digital literacy, technological advancements, legal safeguards, and cultural adaptations to counter misinformation effectively. To operate the framework, a set of concrete actions is proposed. Concrete actions include fact-checking tools, education initiatives, public-private partnerships, and rapid response mechanisms. By leveraging diverse perspectives and measurable benchmarks, the framework equips stakeholders with an adaptive toolkit to combat misinformation and strengthen the integrity of the digital information landscape. A high-level, evidence-informed guide to some of the major proposals for how democratic governments, platforms, and others can counter disinformation.

The Technology and International Affairs Program develops insights to address the governance challenges and large-scale risks of new technologies. Our experts identify actionable best practices and incentives for industry and government leaders on artificial intelligence, cyber threats, cloud security, countering influence operations, reducing the risk of biotechnologies, and ensuring global digital inclusion. The goal of the Partnership for Countering Influence Operations (PCIO) is to foster evidence-based policymaking to counter threats in the information environment. Key roadblocks as found in our work include the lack of: transparency reporting to inform what data is available for research purposes; rules guiding how data can be shared with researchers and for what... Carnegie’s Information Environment Project is a multistakeholder effort to help policymakers understand the information environment, think through the impact of efforts to govern it, and identify promising interventions to foster democracy. Disinformation is widely seen as a pressing challenge for democracies worldwide.

Many policymakers are grasping for quick, effective ways to dissuade people from adopting and spreading false beliefs that degrade democratic discourse and can inspire violent or dangerous actions. Yet disinformation has proven difficult to define, understand, and measure, let alone address. A Commitment to Sharing Only Accurate and Truthful Information How PR Pros Can Counter AI Misinformation How This PR Pro Is Helping Communicate Accurate Election Information Even as Trust in Media Falls, Students Can Serve Public Good

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