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Disinformation, The Raging Virus

Michael Hedges September 14, 2020 Follow on Twitter

It is a point on a matrix, disinformation. There is no straight line from misinformation, common mistakes, through to malevolent propaganda. Nor is there a curve. There are points called fake news and hate speech. In this matrix, points interact and mutate. And like a virus, it becomes stronger and lethal.

matrix platformAn assessment of its program to counter disinformation was issued this past week (September 10) by the European Commission (EC). The Code of Practice on Disinformation was adopted in December 2018 after months of discussion and negotiation. It is entirely focused on online platforms; big ones like Google and Facebook were signatories and agreed to the included policy recommendations.

The assessment noted several “shortcomings,” mostly related to process. Procedures could be more clear, common definitions widely agreed and data on “emerging trends and threats” more accessible. And, too, the advertising sector needs to be more involved. It was all very technocratic and obvious.

Then came a warning from EC vice president for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová. “The platforms need to be more accountable and responsible; they need to be more transparent. The time has come to go beyond self-regulatory measures.” Self-regulation is widely preferred by every industry; compliance remains “variable” and monitoring is left to the imagination.

Attention in the EC assessment was given to the coronavirus pandemic “infodemic,” the term first used by the World Health Organization (WHO). Several successes were enumerated; Google raising fact-checking in search results, Facebook pointing users to legitimate health sources and Twitter “hampering” certain “suspicious” posts. But, the advertising people were busted for “capitalizing” on coronavirus disinformation.

EU rules, the forthcoming Digital Services Act, might well influence lawmakers outside the EU. Limiting the debate to the “platforms” ignores the greater spectrum of disinformation. Publishers and broadcasters - online and otherwise - would be howling to the moon about speech and press freedom.

Twitter, YouTube (Google/Alphabet) and Facebook/Instagram have added warning flags to posted material related to the coronavirus, vaccinations and dodgy cures. All are hesitant to permanently block or remove such content. A report from the London-based Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) listed several potentially life-threatening posts, mostly touting debunked conspiracy theories, reported the BBC (September 2). "Social media companies” said CCDH chief executive Imran Ahmed, “do not listen to polite requests for change. Given the acute nature of the coronavirus crisis, their failure to act must now be met with real consequences."

Disinformation about health issues intersects with climate change denial and general rejection, in certain spheres, of all things scientific and rational. Consequences are dire. Unsurprisingly, the length and breath of disinformation - from misinformation and propaganda to fake news and conspiracy theories - emanates from high places.

"Disinformation spreads through the interaction of many different information sources, not just social media,” said lead researcher for the UK Department of War Studies at King’s College London study on disinformation Dr. Thomas Colley, quoted by (UK) The Independent (August 23). “For British people, disinformation on social media may not even be the biggest issue. They overwhelmingly distrust social media news and rarely share it. Research shows they see disinformation from politicians and traditional media as more common and concerning.”

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