We have never had as much access to information as we do today — but that’s not entirely a good thing. It has also meant that misinformation (and its equally dangerous partner disinformation) have been allowed to run rampant.
These issues are affecting us in ways we haven’t been able to grasp. Some are more obvious; a fake headline that triggers violence. Others are more subtle, such as an unverified study encouraging incorrect habits. Then, there are the invisible long-term effects, which may only see surface decades from now.
To prevent these outcomes, public figures, government bodies, and corporations alike must adopt a collective sense of responsibility — and take growing calls for digital transparency seriously.
The Growing Sophistication of Misinformation
Back in the day, the newspapers reported the news, and gossip was shared at lunch tables. In the digital sphere, there is no longer a distinction. The rate at which information is posted online already makes misinformation a prominent challenge.
But now, we are also facing increasingly more sophisticated threats, posed by technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. Bad faith actors are leveraging the power of GenAI, for example, to hit more targets, more frequently.
Simultaneously, tools that help create deceptive content are becoming easier to access. You can find software to help mask your phone number, IP address, and voice — as well as create false images, text, and deep fakes.
As a result of these factors, the World Economic Forum suggests misinformation and disinformation will be the biggest global risk by 2027. This year, it ranks number four, behind state-based armed conflict, climate change, and geoeconomic conflict.
How Misinformation Erodes Trust
While misinformation has a devastating impact on many aspects of society, governments, business leaders, and public service institutions can’t ignore one significant outcome: its erosion of public trust.
Pew research suggests that American trust in institutions has gradually reduced since 1979. In 2024, it found that 70% of the public believed government officials were deliberately trying to mislead people with false or gross exaggerations. As much as 59% believed the same to be true about business leaders, while 60% stated mistrust of journalists and reporters. Earning back this trust, especially during this period of misinformation, requires a widespread concerted effort.
The Solution: Greater Digital Transparency
In 2022, MIT held a virtual summit to discuss the impact of social media on democracies, economies, and public health. Panelists highlighted the rising influence of algorithms, as well as the impact of new technologies, before agreeing on a comprehensive solution for misinformation: greater transparency.
Transparency, in this context, encourages governments, businesses, and other organizations to be more open about how they collect and use data. This includes what tools they use, how those tools work, and how they influence decision making.
It also emphasizes complete visibility of social media channels, digital marketing communications, software vendors, and more.
How Organizations Can Achieve Digital Transparency
One major way for organizations to regain trust is to clearly explain what data they collect, why they collect it, and who they share it with.
But beyond that, digital transparency also encourages organizations to be clear about how their systems work. This includes sharing the rules or criteria their systems use. If, for instance, a financial service provider that uses an algorithm to decide who gets a loan must be clear about its biases and shortcomings.
Transparency also means being open about the rules and policies used to manage online content. For instance, if a social media site removes posts or bans users, it should explain why these actions were taken. The more transparent a business is about its inner workings, the more trust it builds in the public.
There are benefits for the organization, too. Misinformation can have several negative outcomes, ranging from fraud to reputational damage. Organizations that maintain and publish detailed records can ensure compliance while protecting bottom lines. Archiving software can play a crucial role here. These tools help maintain extensive records of websites, social media posts, and communications — for public scrutiny, internal audits, as well as official records requests.
The Bottom Line
Misinformation affects organizations just as much as it affects the wider public. Industry leaders will be well aware of the impact it has on trust and reputation while public service organizations are likely already weary of the regulatory risks. By adopting a culture that promotes and highlights digital transparency, however, we can combat this rampant threat, one open source document at a time.
Related Articles:
- How a Reverse Image Search Tool Can Help Spot Fake Profiles
- Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT): How to Access Public Information
