Ireland Unveils National Strategy to Combat Disinformation: A Whole-of-Society Approach
The Irish government has launched its first National Counter Disinformation Strategy, marking a significant step in addressing the escalating threat of disinformation. Minister Patrick O’Donovan emphasized the seriousness of the challenge, highlighting the need for a comprehensive societal response. The strategy, a key recommendation of the Future of Media Commission, aims to tackle the multifaceted nature of disinformation and its potential to undermine democracy and erode public trust. Recognizing the evolving tactics used to spread false and misleading information, the strategy focuses on building resilience and fostering collaboration across all sectors of society.
The strategy defines disinformation as false or misleading content intentionally spread to deceive or secure economic or political gain, potentially causing public harm. It distinguishes disinformation from other forms of expression like misleading advertising, reporting errors, satire, parody, and partisan news. Emphasizing a rights-based approach, the strategy seeks to balance the fundamental right to freedom of expression with other rights, such as privacy and protection from discrimination. Martina Chapman, Chair of the National Counter Disinformation Working Group, stressed that the strategy is not about government censorship but rather about empowering citizens to exercise their rights fully within a functioning democracy, which disinformation seeks to disrupt.
The strategy is built on five core principles: protecting freedom of expression, building societal resilience and trust, fostering cooperation and collaboration, ensuring corporate accountability and regulatory enforcement, and implementing evidence-based countermeasures. These principles underpin nine commitments encompassing 36 specific actions designed to translate the strategy’s goals into tangible outcomes. Key initiatives include developing "pre-bunking" expertise within the Irish media landscape, countering foreign information manipulation and interference, and establishing a Counter Disinformation Oversight Group.
"Pre-bunking," a proactive approach to counter disinformation narratives before they gain traction, aims to address the limitations of "de-bunking," which often proves ineffective once misinformation has spread. This preemptive strategy involves identifying and challenging emerging narratives, but it also raises concerns among free speech advocates who caution against prematurely labeling information as harmful or false, potentially stifling legitimate debate.
The strategy also prioritizes addressing "Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference" (FIMI), recognizing the increasing threat posed by coordinated campaigns aimed at influencing public opinion and undermining democratic processes. It identifies Russia and its proxies as primary actors in these manipulative efforts, acknowledging the involvement of other foreign actors as well. The Irish government plans to implement a coordinated national approach to counter FIMI, involving various departments, including the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Justice, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the National Cyber Security Council. Collaboration with the EU and international partners is also envisioned to strengthen Ireland’s counter-FIMI capabilities.
A Counter Disinformation Oversight Group will be established to ensure the strategy’s effective implementation and monitor progress on its commitments and actions. Led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the group will also oversee a review process to assess the effectiveness of implemented actions and identify areas for improvement. The group’s first meeting is scheduled within four months of the strategy’s publication.
The strategy also acknowledges the threat disinformation poses to electoral integrity, recognizing its potential to undermine democratic processes. It highlights the findings of international studies documenting widespread disinformation campaigns during elections in various countries, emphasizing the need for vigilance in Ireland. The World Economic Forum’s identification of disinformation and misinformation as a major global risk further underscores the urgency of addressing this challenge.
The Irish government’s comprehensive approach to tackling disinformation through the National Counter Disinformation Strategy represents a significant commitment to safeguarding democracy and promoting a well-informed citizenry. By focusing on building resilience, fostering collaboration, and implementing proactive countermeasures, the strategy aims to create a more robust information environment and protect against the corrosive effects of disinformation. The success of this strategy will depend on the ongoing commitment and collaboration of all stakeholders, ensuring a whole-of-society approach to this complex and evolving challenge.