Disinformation

The rise of the internet and online social networks has altered the scope and scale at which people access, consume, and communicate information. But the same technologies that have democratized access to information have also enabled malicious actors who seek to undermine our democratic values and processes. Disinformation is false or misleading information spread with the intention to deceive. It’s distinct from misinformation, which is the unintentional spread of false information. When left unchecked, disinformation has the potential to sow confusion in public dialogue, exacerbate political polarization, and promote distrust in our political systems and democratic institutions.

Content

Issue Brief

Nov 15, 2018

Ukrainian Election Task Force—exposing foreign interference in Ukraine’s election

By Ukrainian Election Task Force

Western democracies are under threat from outside meddling, and Ukraine is the testing ground for this interference. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s persistent efforts to influence the domestic politics of his neighbors and countries well beyond Russia’s borders have posed enormous challenges in Europe and across the Atlantic.

Conflict Democratic Transitions

In the News

Nov 7, 2018

Graham Brookie Quoted in Axios on Security Breaches in Midterms

By Atlantic Council

Graham Brookie speaks to Axios about disinformation campaigns surrounding 2018 midterm elections in the United States.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Nov 6, 2018

Graham Brookie Quoted in Washington Post on Americans Peddling Disinformation Around Midterm Elections

By Atlantic Council

Graham Brookie spoke to the Washington Post on the spread of disinformation by Americans in advance of the United States midterm elections.

Disinformation Elections

In the News

Nov 6, 2018

Graham Brookie Quoted in Reuters on Russia’s Influence Operations in US Midterm Elections

By Atlantic Council

Graham Brookie spoke to Reuters on disinformation campaigns operating in advance of the midterm elections in the United States.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Nov 5, 2018

Ben Nimmo Quoted in Politico on Misinformation Around US Midterm Elections

By Atlantic Council

Ben Nimmo spoke to Politico about the spread of disinformation campaigns in advance of the 2018 midterm elections in the United States.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Nov 2, 2018

Ben Nimmo Quoted in the Washington Post on Russian Interference in 2018 Midterms

By Atlantic Council

Ben Nimmo spoke to the Washington Post about potential foreign interference in the 2018 midterm elections in the United States.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Nov 1, 2018

Ben Nimmo Quoted in Foreign Policy on Kremlin Misinformation Around US Midterms

By Atlantic Council

Ben Nimmo speaks to Foreign Policy about potential foreign interference in advance of the 2018 midterm elections in the United States.

Cybersecurity Disinformation

In the News

Oct 31, 2018

Ben Nimmo Quoted in WSJ on Russian Trolls

By Atlantic Council

Ben Nimmo spoke to the Wall Street Journal about online trolls from Russia and their activities targeting Americans.

Disinformation English

In the News

Oct 30, 2018

Ben Nimmo Quoted in McClatchy on Disinformation Around Florida Elections

By Atlantic Council

Ben Nimmo spoke to McClatchy about the disinformation campaigns around the midterm elections, specifically in Florida.

Disinformation Elections

2018 Elections in Latin America

Oct 25, 2018

#ElectionWatch: Partisan Debate and Electoral Violence in Brazil

By Luiza Bandeira

On October 7, a few hours after a runoff between the far-right candidate Jair Bolsonaro and leftist Fernando Haddad was announced, capoeira master Moa do Katende was stabbed to death in a bar.

Brazil Disinformation

Experts