CIRA Launches Third Season of Award-Winning Podcast, "What’s Up with the Internet?", Tackling the Rise of Online Misinformation
OTTAWA, Ontario – May 14, 2025 – The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) announced the premiere of the third season of its acclaimed podcast, "What’s Up with the Internet?". Fresh off a "Best Technology Series" win at the Canadian Podcast Awards, the new season delves into the pervasive issue of online misinformation, exploring its origins, mechanisms of spread, and detrimental impact. Host Takara Small, a renowned Canadian journalist and technology columnist, guides listeners through a comprehensive examination of the phenomenon, offering valuable insights and practical tools to navigate the digital landscape.
This season aims to equip Canadians with the skills to critically evaluate online content and distinguish fact from fiction. Through insightful interviews with experts, researchers, and journalists, the podcast unpacks the complex web of misinformation, examining the motivations behind its creation and dissemination. Guests include prominent figures such as journalist and business executive Sue Gardner, professor and author Timothy Caulfield, and Michael Kropveld, Founder and Executive Director of Info-Cult/Info-Sect. The series also offers practical advice and resources, including a fact-checking toolkit presented by Matthew Johnson, Director of Education for MediaSmarts.
The pervasiveness of online misinformation poses a significant challenge in the digital age. As individuals increasingly rely on the internet for information, they become vulnerable to manipulated narratives, fabricated stories, and deceptive content. The proliferation of misinformation erodes trust in institutions, fuels social divisions, and can even have real-world consequences, impacting public health, political discourse, and personal well-being. This season of "What’s Up with the Internet?" addresses this critical issue head-on, providing listeners with the tools to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Host Takara Small emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s own susceptibility to misinformation. "Misinformation is easy to fall for because it often feels right, and we’re all susceptible to it, regardless of intelligence or education," she states. The podcast goes beyond simply identifying the problem; it equips listeners with the critical thinking skills necessary to dissect information, evaluate sources, and recognize potential biases. By empowering individuals to become more discerning consumers of online content, the podcast aims to foster a more informed and resilient digital citizenry.
Spencer Callaghan, Director of Brand and Communications at CIRA, underscores the timeliness of this season, particularly in the wake of recent elections where algorithm-driven misinformation was rampant. "If you spend any time online, chances are you’ve been exposed to online misinformation," Callaghan notes. This season explores the underlying mechanisms that allow misinformation to flourish online, including the role of algorithms, social media platforms, and the dynamics of online communities. By shedding light on these processes, the podcast aims to empower listeners to identify and resist the spread of false narratives.
CIRA, the national not-for-profit organization responsible for managing the .CA domain, is committed to fostering a secure and accessible internet for all Canadians. Through initiatives like "What’s Up with the Internet?", CIRA plays a vital role in promoting digital literacy and empowering Canadians to navigate the online world safely and effectively. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and further information can be found at cira.ca/podcast. This season promises to be a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and combat the pervasive challenge of online misinformation.