The rise of disinformation and declining trust in mainstream media has created a paradoxical situation where fact-checkers, the very individuals tasked with combating misinformation, have become targets of distrust and hostility. A recent report by the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) highlights the increasing prevalence of adversarial actions against fact-checkers, hindering their ability to perform their crucial role in upholding accurate information. The report, based on responses from academics, fact-checkers, and journalists, reveals a concerning landscape where a majority (66%) of respondents have experienced some form of hostile action, ranging from online harassment and intimidation to physical threats and doxxing. While most incidents occur online, a significant portion involves both online and offline harassment, indicating a spillover effect from the digital realm into the physical world.
The spectrum of abuse faced by fact-checkers is broad, with trolling being the most common form. This is followed by threatening emails, coordinated online harassment campaigns known as brigading, and doxxing, which involves the malicious exposure of personal information. These attacks are often triggered by retaliation for fact-checking work on sensitive and controversial topics, such as COVID-19 misinformation, migration, environmental issues, and women’s rights. Investigative journalism targeting far-right groups or online conspiracy networks also frequently provokes hostile responses. Furthermore, public speaking engagements on issues like conspiracy theories and platform regulation can make fact-checkers targets. The underlying cause of these attacks is a deep-seated distrust towards the counter-disinformation community, fueled by those who perceive fact-checking as a form of censorship or a politically motivated attack.
The perpetrators of these hostile actions are diverse, ranging from individuals and ideologically driven groups to alternative media outlets and even political or government entities. The EDMO report specifically highlights instances in Hungary and Slovakia where state actors and government-related media were implicated in harassment and other adversarial actions against fact-checkers. This raises concerns about the potential for governments to weaponize disinformation and use it to suppress critical voices. Conversely, the report notes positive developments in some countries, like Ireland, where dedicated hotlines have been established between media professionals and law enforcement, and regular meetings are held to address threats. However, in other countries, the situation is deteriorating, with authorities increasing surveillance levels in ways that may endanger freedom of expression. The EDMO cites Hungary’s “Sovereignty Protection Act” as an example, where a newly established office is tasked with discrediting independent media, accusing them of spreading disinformation in the service of foreign interests.
The frequency of abuse varies, with a significant portion (44%) of respondents reporting sporadic or rare incidents, or none at all. However, a concerning number experience abuse regularly, with 17% facing it weekly, 15% monthly, 12% daily, and 10% quarterly. These figures underscore the persistent and growing risks faced by the counter-disinformation community, particularly those who tackle controversial topics. The delegitimization tactics employed against fact-checkers include accusations of censorship, being foreign agents, political bias, and receiving dubious funding. This orchestrated effort to undermine their credibility contributes to the erosion of public trust in fact-checking and reinforces the cycle of disinformation.
The EDMO report emphasizes the urgent need to address this escalating challenge. It recommends several key actions to protect fact-checkers and ensure they can continue their vital work. These include strengthening peer-to-peer support networks, developing guidelines for preparing for and responding to adversarial actions, and enhancing both online and offline security measures. Greater awareness among policymakers is also crucial, along with stronger legal protections and robust support for fact-checkers. This requires a concerted effort from governments, media organizations, and civil society to create a safer environment for those working to combat disinformation.
The findings of the EDMO report paint a stark picture of the challenges faced by fact-checkers in an increasingly hostile information environment. As disinformation becomes more sophisticated and widespread, the need for accurate and reliable fact-checking becomes even more critical. Protecting those who dedicate themselves to this task is not just about safeguarding individuals; it is about protecting the very foundations of a well-informed democracy. The erosion of trust in credible sources of information poses a significant threat to democratic processes and public discourse. Therefore, addressing the threats faced by fact-checkers is essential for ensuring the continued viability of a free and informed public sphere. The recommendations presented by the EDMO offer a roadmap for action, calling for a collective effort to defend the crucial role fact-checkers play in upholding truth and combating the spread of harmful misinformation.
