Disarming Disinformation: Three Years of Impact

Disarming Disinformation is ICFJ's largest program addressing the information disorder we live in. Between 2022 and 2025, the program invested $3.8 million on solutions that effectively push back against disinformation.

The program was designed to engage journalists and journalism students but also teachers, researchers, social media strategists, digital influencers, developers and others who have been fighting mis/disinformation across the globe. Through training, grants, mentorship, in-depth research, newsroom embedment and a slew of resources, participants produced investigations, innovative products, and more.

Disarming Disinformation Results Dashboard

 

Disarming Disinformation in numbers

Disarming Disinformation's three-track approach

The initiative combined investigative journalism, capacity building and groundbreaking research to uncover and fight mis- and disinformation.

Investigating Disinformation

Journalists supported by the program teamed up to follow the money behind disinformation across borders and platforms, exposing the powerful actors who fund and organize false narratives.

  • 16 cross-border investigations across 11 countries
  • Online masterclasses reached 2,000+ participants
  • Supported stories were republished in 100+ outlets including major media
  • Investigations led to policy changes and platform actions

Learn more about the investigations into disinformation campaigns in the Americas, and into election disinformation.

 

Scaling efforts to combat disinformation

Empowering media professionals and community leaders to build local resilience against the spread of dis/misinformation through three key initiatives: Training of Trainers, Empowering the Truth Global Summit, and the Solutions Challenge.

  • Training of Trainers
    • Creating  a multiplier effect by equipping experienced practitioners with skills to train others in their communities.
    • 30 trainers equipped, reaching 4,800+ people
    • Read stories examples from Sri Lanka, Gambia, Indonesia, and Oman.
  • Empowering the Truth Summit
    • Training journalists across the globe, through sessions in eight languages, to design projects that help the truth go viral and reach wider audiences.
    • 7,500+ participants throughout 74+ sessions in 7 languages
    • 20+ projects developed
  • Solutions Challenge

 

Research: Understanding Disinformation

ICFJ’s research team led a five-country study to understand how journalists, media outlets, and the public perceive and respond to disinformation, which is crucial to fostering an informed and resilient citizenry.

  • 5-country comprehensive study conducted
  • 19 key findings published
  • 15 actionable recommendations developed
  • Policy discussions and collaborations inspired

 

Real-World Impact

The program's investigations and training have led to concrete, measurable outcomes around the world. Here are some powerful examples of change:

Exposing Migrant Scams

In Mexico, Daniela Mendoza's investigation into migrant scams sparked public protests in Tijuana and forced a formal meeting with Facebook Mexico. Her story was republished in over 100 media outlets, including The Washington Post and NBC.

Fighting Election Interference

In Israel, Nitsan Yasur uncovered fake Facebook accounts disrupting municipal elections, leading to engagement from national watchdogs and a meeting with the State Comptroller. Her findings are now integrated into journalist training programs.

Reaching Underserved Communities

In Uganda, Harriet Atyang—who once walked barefoot to school—now runs her own community radio station, broadcasting media literacy tips to rural audiences. Her story exemplifies the program's grassroots impact.

Innovative Accessibility

In Uganda, Willy Chowoo developed Ugandan Sign Language resources to inform deaf and hard-of-hearing communities about disinformation dangers—ensuring no one is left behind in the fight for truth.

Viral Fact-Checking

In India, Nanditha Kalidoss created Instagram fact-check reels that reached over 237,000 views in Telugu and 8.9 million views in English, showing how creative formats can make verified information go viral.

Influencing National Policy

In Nigeria, Patrick Oluwaseun Orlu's documentary on climate misinformation brought the herder-farmer conflict to national attention, prompting government collaboration on conflict resolution and food security for displaced persons.

These examples demonstrate that when committed individuals are given proper training and resources, they become powerful agents of change in their communities—turning the tide against disinformation one story, one training, and one verified fact at a time.

More About This Program