Headline: BC Human Rights Commissioner Launches Initiative to Combat Misinformation and Disinformation
VICTORIA, BC – September 13, 2025 – British Columbia’s Human Rights Commissioner, Kasari Govender, has sounded the alarm on the escalating threat of misinformation and disinformation, characterizing them as “significant threats” to human rights. In response, her office unveiled a new initiative on Saturday in downtown Vancouver, aimed at equipping British Columbians with the tools necessary to identify and counter the spread of false information. The campaign’s launch comes at a critical time, as the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation continues to erode trust in institutions, fuel social division, and incite hatred.
Govender’s office defines misinformation as false information shared unintentionally, while disinformation refers to deliberately misleading information disseminated with malicious intent. Both pose serious risks to individuals and society. Misinformation can lead to poor decision-making, hindering individuals’ ability to access accurate information about healthcare, public safety, and other critical issues. Disinformation, on the other hand, is often employed to manipulate public opinion, sow discord, and undermine democratic processes. The commissioner highlighted the increasing prevalence of these phenomena in British Columbia, emphasizing their role in exacerbating existing societal issues.
The new initiative focuses on educating the public about the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, providing resources to help individuals identify false information, and promoting critical thinking skills. The campaign includes a public awareness campaign, educational workshops, and online resources. The public awareness campaign will utilize various media platforms to reach a broad audience, disseminating key messages about the importance of media literacy and responsible information sharing. Educational workshops will offer hands-on training, equipping participants with practical skills for identifying and debunking false information. The online resources will provide access to fact-checking tools, research guides, and other valuable information.
The commissioner emphasized the connection between misinformation, disinformation, and the rise of hate crimes, particularly online. She cited the surge in anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by conspiracy theories falsely blaming Asian communities for the virus’s spread, as a stark example of the devastating consequences of unchecked misinformation. Other examples of the harmful impact of misinformation and disinformation include the spread of false narratives about vaccines, which has contributed to declining vaccination rates and the resurgence of preventable diseases, and the dissemination of disinformation about climate change, which hinders efforts to address this urgent global challenge.
The initiative’s launch was met with broad support from community organizations, media outlets, and educators, who recognized the urgent need to address this growing threat. Advocacy groups working to combat hate speech and promote tolerance have welcomed the initiative as a vital step towards creating a more informed and inclusive society. Journalists and media organizations have expressed their commitment to partnering with the commissioner’s office to enhance media literacy and promote responsible reporting. Educators have emphasized the importance of integrating media literacy into school curricula to empower young people with the skills they need to navigate the complex information landscape.
The commissioner’s initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation in British Columbia. By empowering individuals with the tools to identify and counter false information, the initiative seeks to create a more informed, resilient, and inclusive society. The success of this initiative will rely on the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and institutions to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation and protect the integrity of information. The commissioner called upon all British Columbians to join the fight against misinformation and disinformation, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in safeguarding human rights and promoting a more just and equitable society.
