Briefing papersSeptember 2020Jonathan TannerWe are all potential spreaders of misinformation and disinformation. Photo: © ODIBy accident or design, the internet and social media have created the ideal conditions for a huge increase in false information and conspiracy theories. This can cause real harm offline, especially because digital literacy and digital policy are both currently unable to keep up with the pace of change.In recent years, major democracies have had to investigate foreign interference in their digital information ecosystems. Over a third of Europeans now encounter so-called ‘fake news’ every day. In June 2020, the World Health Organization held its first-ever conference looking at ‘infodemiology’ in response to misinformation related to Covid-19. Now established fact-checking organisations are emerging across the world, and major media organisations have misinformation and disinformation reporters.This briefing note outlines 10 things you need to know about misinformation and disinformation and how they can be tackled.Read the research 10 things to know about misinformation and disinformationDocument Related The new information realityThe manipulation of public narratives for political or personal gain is an urgent problem for democracy and a pressing threat to development.Articles and blogs21 July 2020 Digital doesn’t have to be a development issueDigital technologies are affecting poor and rich countries alike, so we should avoid framing digital as a development issue.Articles and blogs20 February 2020 10 things to know about how to influence policy with research10 things you need to know if you want to use research to influence policy.Briefing papers9 January 201710 things to know about democracy and electionsRecent events in Egypt remind us that the road from ballot box to stable democracy is never straightforward. This infographic cuts through the complexity, presenting ten key facts.Infographic10 July 2013See more:technologycommunicationsGlobal
