Misinformation and Disinformation
Misinformation is false information spread without intent to deceive, and disinformation is false information spread on purpose. Both can affect elections, public health, and trust in government. Platforms, news outlets, researchers, courts, and government agencies all take part in the debate over how to respond.
People usually ask how to tell true from false claims, who decides what is false, and how free speech law treats falsehoods. They also ask how government messages differ from propaganda, and how agencies handle foreign campaigns to spread false information.
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Referenced by Brookings, CNN, Forbes, Fox News, Pew Research, Snopes, The Hill and USA Today.
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All Articles on Misinformation and Disinformation
How the US Protects Elections from Foreign Interference
The National Security Council coordinates America's defense against foreign election interference, orchestrating intelligence agencies, cybersecurity experts, and law enforcement to protect the democratic process…
How the National Security Council Fights Foreign Disinformation Campaigns
The National Security Council coordinates America's defense against foreign disinformation operations that target democratic institutions through social media manipulation, fake news campaigns, and sophisticated…
How Free Speech Laws Handle False Information
For centuries, the guiding philosophy for free speech has been the "marketplace of ideas" – a belief that in a free and open competition…
Propaganda vs. Public Information: Government Messages
In our information-saturated world, government messages flood our daily lives through news alerts, social media, and official announcements. Distinguishing between legitimate public information and…