Fake news and democracy: definitions, impact and response

Authors: Carson, A. and Wright, S.

Journal: Australian Journal of Political Science

Volume: 57

Issue: 3

Pages: 221-230

eISSN: 1363-030X

ISSN: 1036-1146

DOI: 10.1080/10361146.2022.2122778

Abstract:

Nearly six years after the term ‘fake news’ rose to public prominence, concerns persist about its meaning, its impact and responses to it. Concerns include leaks by a Meta whistle-blower who alleged that the world’s most popular social media site, Facebook, was hardwired to spread online falsehoods; meanwhile numerous Commissions and reports have aired fears about fake news’ consequences for democratic health, both in Australia and globally. Australia has responded by adopting a self-regulatory Code of Conduct into misinformation and disinformation for digital platforms in 2021; while some neighbouring counties such as Singapore and Indonesia have introduced tough anti-fake news laws. This symposium of five articles aims to shed light on the latest global debates and findings about the relationship between fake news and democracy with a focus on how it is best defined, its impacts on the public, and responses to it in Australia and the region.

Source: Scopus