Disinformation Campaigns: How PIOs Can Spot and Respond to Coordinated Attacks

As a Public Information Officer, you're on the front lines of communication. You work hard to keep the public informed. But today, disinformation campaigns present a growing challenge to your efforts and public trust. These campaigns are not just isolated rumors but often coordinated attacks designed to mislead and manipulate. This article gives you practical ways to spot these campaigns and respond effectively.

Understanding what you're up against is the first step. Disinformation is false information spread deliberately to deceive. Disinformation differs from misinformation, which is false information spread without malicious intent, and malinformation, which is genuine information shared to cause harm. While all three can cause problems, disinformation campaigns are particularly troublesome because of their intentional and often coordinated nature.

Why do actors spread disinformation? Their goals vary. Some want to undermine public trust in government institutions. Others aim to sow social discord, influence elections, or sway public opinion on specific issues. Some actors are foreign governments, while others are domestic groups with political agendas. There are also those motivated by financial gain, using sensational false stories to generate clicks and ad revenue. No matter the source or motive, the result is a polluted information environment that makes your job harder.