Fighting Disinformation

The alarming rise of mis and disinformation has put peacekeepers at risk, compromised global health efforts, and led to civil unrest in the U.S. and around the globe. In fact, more than 85% of people worldwide are worried about the impact of online disinformation, with 87% believing it has harmed their country’s politics, according to a recent UNESCO survey. In polling by Pew Research, most Americans say the U.S. government and technology companies should take steps to restrict false information online. Another survey found that 80% of UN staff viewed harmful information as dangerous to them and the communities they serve.

Against this backdrop, on June 24, 2025, the UN issued recommendations for urgent action to curb harmful mis and disinformation. These “Global Principles for Information Integrity” come just a year after a report from the Secretary-General, and offer a framework for coordinated international action to make information spaces safer and more humane, especially in light of the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.

Co-created through wide-ranging consultations with Member States, the private sector, youth leaders, media, academia and civil society, the Principles are designed to “empower people to demand their rights,” said António Guterres. “At a time when billions of people are exposed to false narratives, distortions and lies, these principles lay out a clear path forward, firmly rooted in human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and opinion.”

The UN chief added an appeal to governments and the tech industry to bolster their own safeguards against the proliferation of disinformation, as well as create safer spaces that “champion human rights, peaceful societies and a sustainable future.”

Recommendations within the Principles include the following actions.

Refraining from using, supporting or amplifying disinformation and hate speech for any purpose.
Providing timely access to information
Guaranteeing a free, viable, independent and plural media landscape
Ensuring strong protections for journalists, researchers and civil society
Ensuring safety and privacy by design in all products, alongside consistent application of policies and resources across countries and languages
Elevating crisis response and measures to support information integrity around elections
Designing, deploying and using AI applications safely, securely, responsibly and ethically
Providing meaningful transparency and allowing researchers and academics access to data while respecting user privacy

Read more below about how the U.S. is partnering with the UN and civil society to fight the fake.

Lessons from Africa's Digital Boom

Mark Duerksen, PhD, a researcher from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, examines Africa’s unparalleled urbanization and the growing impact of disinformation campaigns on the continent’s rapidly changing information systems.

7 Insights for Peacekeeping Operations

The weaponization of digital communications and social media poses new challenges for identifying and combating hostile influences, which has severe negative effects on UN peacekeeping operations.

Thoughts from SIPRI

Disinformation in a Triple Threat

UN peacekeeping has come a long way since its establishment 75 years ago. But while research demonstrates the value of peacekeeping, the institution of peacekeeping is under threat. Those who carry out its mandates face increased violence, reduced resources, and the rise of disinformation that endangers their work.

Perspective in Just Security

Most Americans Favor Restricting Disinformation

Most Americans say the U.S. government and technology companies should each take steps to restrict false information and extremely violent content online. However, there is more support for tech companies moderating these types of content than for the federal government doing so, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

Polling from PEW

A History of Fake News

False news has been part of media history since the invention of the printing press. It played a role in catalyzing the Enlightenment, when the Catholic Church’s false explanation of the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake prompted Voltaire to speak out. In the 1800’s, racist sentiment led to the publication of inaccurate stories about the biology of Blacks. And it was used by Nazi propaganda machines to build anti-Semitic fervor.

A Long History

Mis and Disinformation and the Risk of Atrocities in the U.S.

The spread of social media mis/disinformation (SMM) can increase the risk of violence against marginalized populations. If data collection efforts existed to more systematically capture trends around SMM, it would be possible to better understand how, when, and in what ways online false narratives lead to offline violent activity.

Stimson Center Reflections

Governments and Business Can Help Combat Disinformation

Governments and individuals can work together to reduce the spread of disinformation. Governments can implement appropriate legislation to curb the spread of lies on tech platforms and ensure that children receive media literacy training. Businesses can build more robust safeguards for consumers and better educate employees to identify disinformation. And individuals can seek reputable news sources and learn skills that keep them and their families safe.

World Economic Forum

The Many Forms of Mis and Disinformation

Fabricated Content

Completely false content

Manipulated Content

Genuine information or imagery that has been distorted; “clickbait”

Imposter Content

Impersonation of genuine sources, e.g. using the branding of an established agency

False Content

Factually accurate content combined with false contextual information

Propaganda

Content used to manage attitudes, values and knowledge

Curious how you can assess the accuracy of online information?

Tools to Fight Disinformation