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
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
Facilitated Disinformation
Disinformation can be facilitated by government regulatory structures—leading to deception and betrayals of trust, regardless of the structures’ original purpose.
By Jon Thompson
Mein Trumpf: From the New Deal to The Art of the Deal, and On to the Abyss?
In the final days of 2016, the small island nation of Cuba mourned the passing of a political giant.
By Len Findlay