Disinformation
The Issue
Disinformation, deliberately misleading and inaccurate information, undermines public’s ability to make informed decisions as much as the more frequently discussed practices of censorship and government and corporate secrecy. Although forged documents, government propaganda, deceptive advertising and other forms of disinformation are not new, current information technologies make it much easier to deceive the public.
Why It Matters
When people are misled, they make decisions that can cause them personal harm, whether financially, physically or emotionally, and can seriously subvert democratic decision-making.
Our Work
The Centre for Free Expression examines the nature, use and effects of disinformation to influence public opinion and personal choice. It fosters public discussion and education regarding information literacy and ways to achieve a more effective regulatory system.
Resources
Populism and Free Speech
By Jon Thompson
Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of New Brunswick
July 11, 2019
NEW CFE PUBLICATION – “Populism and Free Speech” BY JON THOMPSON
The Centre for Free Expression is pleased to announce the newest addition to its Occasional Paper Series, “Populism and Free Speech” by Jon Thompson. The paper explores the contradictory history of populism -- at times a force for social justice and at other times to undermine democratic rights of marginalized groups. Thompson argues that progressive populist action is required to successfully deal with the existential challenges of nuclear war, climate change and chemical pollution.
Latest CFE Publication – “The Poverty of Economism: Disinformation and the Misuse of Social Science” by Jon Thompson
Toronto: Today the Centre for Free Expression published Jon Thompson’s, “The Poverty of Economism: Disinformation and the Misuse of Social Science.” Thompson argues that a major source of disinformation worldwide is based on use and misuse of the social science of economics.
The Poverty of Economism: Disinformation and the Misuse of Social Science
By Jon Thompson
Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of New Brunswick
October 24, 2018
Disinformation by Quantification
We are seeing a rapid expansion of the use of metrics (quantitative methods) for assessing performance and directing behaviour of states and public institutions.
By Jon Thompson