Peter Cunliffe-Jones, founder of Africa's first fact-checking organisation, argues false assumptions since 2016 have both undermined efforts to counter the consequences of false information and curbed freedom of speech. He proposes four ideas for fact-checkers, policymakers and platforms: First, "information disorder" is broader than "false news". Second, consequences of false information in offline settings can be as great or greater than if spread online. Third, consequences also emerge via effects on the understanding of policymakers; not only the public. Fourth, identifying factors that shape the potential of specific false claims to cause specific harms makes it possible to focus attention on potentially harmful false information and defend freedom of speech. And he describes a 2024 trial by three fact-checking organisations proving the practicality and utility of the model proposed.

About the Author

Peter Cunliffe-Jones has been a Visiting Researcher at University of Westminster since 2019. While working as a reporter and editor for the AFP News Agency from 1990 to 2016, he founded Africa Check, Africa's first fact-checking organisation, in 2012. He served on the advisory board of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) from 2015-2024 where he helped develop the IFCN Code of Principles, used by more than 170 organisations worldwide. He has advised platforms and fact-checkers and has published on regulation of misinformation and the teaching of media literacy.

Book Information
ISBN 9781915445360
Author Peter Cunliffe-Jones
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint University of Westminster Press
Publisher University of Westminster Press