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
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
Intellectuals, Disinformation and Repression
Events of early 2017 in Canada and the US raised once again the question: why are Islamic people so often subjected to discrimination, repression and violence in our societies and abroad?
By Jon Thompson
Climate Change Information and Disinformation
Disinformation, claims of competing economic imperatives and an inadequately informed public account for why governments have not acted effectively in response to the grave dangers posed by climate
By Jon Thompson
Calling Out Fake News without Suppressing Expression. Can it be done?
In January, perhaps reacting to some of the more interesting “alternative facts” stories emerging from the United States, Canadian Heritage Minister Mélanie Joly tweeted the following:
By John Degen