The Silent Threat: Misinformation and Public Health in Aotearoa New Zealand
Misinformation, defined as inaccurate or misleadingly presented information with the potential to cause harm, poses a growing threat to public health in Aotearoa New Zealand. While the full extent of this threat remains poorly understood due to a lack of dedicated research and monitoring, international examples and the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the potential for significant harm. From influencing health choices and eroding trust in preventive measures like vaccines, to disrupting disaster responses and undermining social cohesion, the consequences of unchecked misinformation can be far-reaching.
The COVID-19 pandemic provided a stark illustration of the dangers of health misinformation. Reports emerged of individuals ingesting toxic substances believed to protect against or cure the virus, demonstrating the real-world consequences of false information. Misinformation also hampered the overall COVID-19 response in New Zealand, undermining public trust and hindering the implementation of effective public health measures. The current decline in childhood vaccination rates, linked to the spread of misleading information about vaccine safety and efficacy, further highlights the ongoing threat posed by misinformation. This trend raises serious concerns about the potential resurgence of preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures.
Beyond its direct impact on individual health choices, misinformation erodes trust in science, health organizations, government institutions, and even in the wider community. This erosion of trust weakens social cohesion, making it more difficult to address collective challenges and respond effectively to public health crises. While the New Zealand public expresses increasing concern about the impact of misinformation, recent government decisions have unfortunately resulted in a reduction in resources dedicated to monitoring and researching this issue. Several key organizations tracking misinformation environments have ceased operations, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of the scope and impact of health misinformation circulating online and elsewhere.
International organizations, including the World Health Organization, the United Nations, the OECD, and the World Economic Forum, have all recognized misinformation as a major global threat. These bodies have emphasized the need for investment in research, monitoring, and strategic frameworks to counter the spread of misinformation and protect public health. The New Zealand National Security Strategy also acknowledges the threat posed by disinformation, highlighting the potential for misuse of information to undermine national security interests.
To address this growing challenge, experts recommend investing in independent, multidisciplinary research and monitoring of misinformation in Aotearoa New Zealand. This research should prioritize data access across various platforms, adopt a cross-platform focus, and integrate insights from diversas well as Te Ao Māori perspectives. Ongoing self-assessment, continual development of methodologies, and transparent communication of findings are crucial for building public trust and ensuring the effectiveness of counter-misinformation efforts. The Brainbox Institute, in a report commissioned by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC), outlined key principles for designing such a civil society-led initiative, emphasizing the importance of integration within civil society, prioritizing data access, and maintaining a cross-platform focus.
Beyond research and monitoring, building resilience to misinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Policy levers at the government’s disposal include promoting information literacy across the population, supporting local journalism as a trusted source of information, and advocating for stronger policies around data transparency and accountability from online platforms. These initiatives are essential for creating a more informed and resilient society, better equipped to navigate the complex information landscape and make sound decisions based on accurate information. The International Health Regulations, to which New Zealand is a signatory, also mandates the development of research capacity for risk communication, including addressing mis- and disinformation. This highlights the international legal framework that underscores the importance of taking proactive measures against the spread of misinformation. A one-day workshop scheduled for February 2025, as part of the University of Otago, Wellington Public Health Summer School, will further explore the specific challenges and opportunities related to misinformation and public health in the New Zealand context. This event will provide a platform for experts and stakeholders to discuss strategies for combating misinformation and protecting the health of our communities.