An editor wearing a face mask works in the control room at C5N news TV channel on April 17, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

An editor wearing a face mask works in the control room at C5N news TV channel on April 17, 2020 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. © Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images

Focus

The Infodemic

Years active: 2020-present

Disinformation, fake news and propaganda are emerging as among the most powerful threats of the modern age. Facilitated by new forms of media and spread by governments and non-state actors alike, these potent tools have far-reaching consequences for human rights and media freedoms around the world.

IWPR’s global networks of reporters, activists and rights defenders are working to document, expose and build resilience to this growing danger.

Latest on the infodemic

Pro-Kremlin disinformation in Ukraine has reached levels unseen since 2014, say researchers. International audiences are not spared as studies show that Russian state-controlled media that cater for Western audiences in various languages, such as RT and Sputnik, disseminate anti-West conspiracy theories.

Pro-Kremlin disinformation in Ukraine has reached levels unseen since 2014, say researchers. International audiences are not spared as studies show that Russian state-controlled media that cater for Western audiences in various languages, such as RT and Sputnik, disseminate anti-West conspiracy theories. © Misha Friedman/Getty Images

Ukraine: Russia Mobilises Disinfo Alongside Military

Could a sudden increase in fake news be a precursor to real-world escalation?

© Kojo Kwarteng/Unsplash

© Kojo Kwarteng/Unsplash

Project Highlight

Reporting Covid-19 in Africa

Fake news, conspiracies and bad science mean that many are missing out on the care they need.

A healthcare professional is vaccinated against Covid-19 on March 10, 2021 in Kampala, Uganda.

A healthcare professional is vaccinated against Covid-19 on March 10, 2021 in Kampala, Uganda. © Luke Dray/Getty Images

Project Highlight

Covid-19: the Africa Story

What links vampires, al-Shabab and onions?

An empty COVID-19 vaccine center in Tbilisi in late October. Georgia finds itself lagging in getting its population immunized, casting doubt on whether authorities will reach the goal of vaccinating 60 percent of the country's 3.7 million people by the end of 2021.

An empty COVID-19 vaccine center in Tbilisi in late October. Georgia finds itself lagging in getting its population immunized, casting doubt on whether authorities will reach the goal of vaccinating 60 percent of the country's 3.7 million people by the end of 2021. © Rusudan Jakeli

Georgia Confronts Vaccine Disinformation

Infections are on the rise as conspiracy theories fuel scepticism, further hobbling immunisation efforts.

Setting up the studio for For Facts Sake quiz show.

Setting up the studio for For Facts Sake quiz show. © Africa Uncensored

Kenya: the Quiz Show Combatting Covid-19

Innovative TV format helps dispel fake news and fear-mongering around the virus.

Story Behind the Story

Nigeria: How Does Faith Affect Disinformation?

Conspiracy theories spreads by religious leaders have far-reaching impact.

IWPR trainee and contributor Bukola Ayeni.

IWPR trainee and contributor Bukola Ayeni.

Story Behind the Story

Nigeria: No, the Covid-19 Vaccine Won’t Turn You Into A Vampire.

How one reporter calmly combatted disinformation spread by a religious leader.

IWPR trainee and contributor Athuman Luchi.

IWPR trainee and contributor Athuman Luchi.

Story Behind the Story

Kenya: Dispelling Myths About Vaccines and Male Virility

Mombasa reporter describes how solid research and frank conversations can combat Covid-19 disinformation.

A mural depicting coronavirus on the streets in Kibera slums on March 29, 2021 in Nairobi Kenya.

A mural depicting coronavirus on the streets in Kibera slums on March 29, 2021 in Nairobi Kenya. © Donwilson Odhiambo/Getty Images

Project Highlight

Debunking Africa’s Covid-19 Conspiracies

IWPR project uses open source intelligence and investigative techniques to probe some of the most prevalent fake news stories.

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