Disarming Disinformation

Disinformation is a rampant problem and can have terrible, even deadly, consequences. It’s time to turn the page, to support and amplify innovative strategies that can combat dangerous falsehoods. It's time to identify and reveal the networks behind viral pieces of false content, and to make sure the next generation is prepared to separate fact from fiction.

Disarming Disinformation is ICFJ's largest program addressing the information disorder we live in. It is a three-year global program supported by the Scripps Howard Foundation. Between 2022 and 2025, the program will invest $3.8 million on solutions that effectively push back against disinformation.

The program has a multidisciplinary approach, 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. It does so through many initiatives, such as in-person and online trainings, grants, project mentorship, in-depth research, newsroom embedment and a slew of resources, such as how-to guides.

Disarming Disinformation is streamlined into three tracks: Investigative, Capacity Building and Research.

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Investigative

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Capacity Building

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Research

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How to Track Digital Mercenaries Behind Disinformation

December 30, 2022

During an ICFJ Disarming Disinformation masterclass, held in partnership with the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, award-winning data journalist and director of Columbia University’s Master of Science Data Journalism Program, Giannina Segnini, discussed these “digital mercenaries” and how to stop them.

What Journalists Need to Know to Combat Information Disorder

December 23, 2022

From unsubstantiated claims of election fraud to vaccine conspiracies, a state of “information disorder” has consumed the online ecosystem in recent years. Consisting of mis-, dis- and malinformation, the phenomenon can be difficult for journalists to understand, study and combat.

How to Investigate Political Disinformation

December 16, 2022

Almost all smartphones in Brazil have WhatsApp installed on them.

While the messaging app helps ensure easy communication within and outside of Brazil, its widespread use also facilitated the proliferation of disinformation in the lead-up to the country’s 2018 presidential election. During that time, Patricia Campos Mello, a journalist with Folha de São Paulo, reported closely on the mass dissemination of disinformation on WhatsApp.

How to Determine Who's Funding Online Ads Linked to Disinformation

December 12, 2022

Websites that facilitate disinformation often employ a combination of revenue sources. By pinpointing streams of profit, journalists can find the players and trace the networks responsible for funding false content online. Identifying those who perpetuate disinformation is integral to debunking lies and uncovering the truth.