Disinformation

Disinformation

The unchecked spread of falsehoods threaten democracy.

It’s an election year, and disinformation is in the news once again. This threat to our democracy comes at a time when social media platforms have scaled back their content moderation programs, and aggressive legal and legislative pressure from politicians has put a chill on counter-disinformation research and coordination

This moment calls for innovative approaches to tackling false information, and PEN America is ready to support journalistspolicy makers, and communities across the country.

What You Need to Know

During an election, disinformation can be used to smear an opponent for political gain, damage trust in our election system, and mobilize or suppress voter participation.

Technological advances like generative AI have made it easier than ever to produce and distribute deceptive content.

We believe that an empowered public and vibrant news ecosystem are the best means of countering disinformation’s pernicious effects.

Facts Forward: Helping Journalists Fight Disinformation

PEN America has developed resources to help journalists detect, monitor, and report on disinformation and build greater trust with their communities. 

Facts Forward Interview Series

This series features journalists and experts with extensive experience in navigating political and other forms of disinformation in order to provide best practices, insights into how to identify and counter disinformation, case studies, and other tips from practitioners.

  • 7 Top Election Year Disinformation Dangers, According to Experts

    Wednesday October 2
  • In Arizona, Maritza Félix built an ‘infrastructure for listening’ to tackle misinformation across borders

    Monday September 30
  • Local news is pivotal in the fight to save democracy, expert says

    Wednesday September 25

View all Facts Forward Interviews >>

Recent Commentary

  • 7 Top Election Year Disinformation Dangers, According to Experts

    Wednesday October 2
  • Local news is pivotal in the fight to save democracy, expert says

    Wednesday September 25
  • Tech won’t save journalists from generative AI – but all hope is not lost

    Monday September 23

Counter-Disinformation Resources

PEN America’s primer for news consumers on spotting and combating disinformation when news breaks

The following guidelines can help you spot and combat disinformation More >>


Guide: How to Build Relationships with Local Journalists, According to Journalists

78% of adults have never even spoken to a journalist. To help address this missed opportunity, PEN America surveyed journalists… More >>


Guide: Combating Campus Protest Mis/Disinformation

Mis- and disinformation are spreading in the wake of the growing wave of protests on college and university campuses over… More >>


Guide to Avoiding Disinformation Regarding the Ongoing Crisis in Israel and Gaza

We are facing an unprecedented wave of mis- and disinformation spreading online through social media. More >>

Israel and Palestine flags on geopolitical Map.

Stacked photo collage of hands typing on a laptop, reporter microphones, a stack of newspapers, and social media icons

Community Disinformation Action Hub

Tools for community leaders and anyone who wants to learn what disinformation is and take action in their community to stop it More >>


#FactChallenge: Media Literacy Course on WhatsApp Leading up to the 2024 Elections

The course consists of daily challenges sent through WhatsApp, where participants learn why misinformation is so prevalent on social media and how to protect themselves.  More >>


How to Talk to Friends and Family Who Share Misinformation

While some people create and spread disinformation, your friends and family may well spread misinformation, which is shared by people who may not know the information is false.  More >>

On-Demand Webinars

How to Build Relationships with Journalists Covering Your Community
Gain insights on threats to journalism, including the psychology of why some people believe untruths online and how reporters can best respond to these misguided beliefs
Learn the methods used to verify information and how fact-checking helps journalists tell stories and inform their audiences.
How journalists can combat political disinformation in a world of echo chambers and deepfakes
How Cognitive Biases Make Us Vulnerable to Disinformation – and What We Can Do about It

Online Safety Resources

Online Abuse Defense Training Program

Trainings for workplaces and other groups fighting online abuse and harassment.

Online Harassment Field Manual

Whether you’re experiencing or witnessing online abuse, this Field Manual offers concrete strategies for how to defend yourself and others.

Issue: Online Abuse & Digital Safety

Online abuse—from violent threats and hateful slurs to sexual harassment and doxing—poses a direct and pressing threat to free expression.

Our Experts