FightingFakeFlier
Fighting Fake Flier
Thomas Jefferson is reported to have observed that "information is the currency of democracy". [1] But what happens when that ‘currency’ is corrupted by fake news, ‘alternative facts,’ harmful conspiracies and malicious disinformation? Well, over the last few years we’ve begun to find out...
What's the Problem?
"The point of modern propaganda isn’t only to misinform or push an agenda. It is to exhaust your critical thinking, to annihilate truth." Garry Kasparov
Misinformation, ‘fake news’, ‘alternative facts’, lies and malicious propaganda represent a serious threat to peace and stability in the world. These imposters confuse, mislead and unsettle the public and contribute to mistrust in government and the mass media; they damage individuals and businesses, destroy reputations, sometimes lives; and they incite fear and anxiety, which undermines social cohesion, democracy and the rule of law.
And things are likely to get worse with the development of ‘surveillance capitalism’, and the rollout of artificial intelligence and the ‘Internet of Things’ — and as more and more mischief-makers get hold of ‘deep-fake’ software and put out dangerous ultra-realistic videos.
Soon no one will know what’s real. And then what?
The Battle for Truth is turning into one of the major challenges of our day.
What is Fighting Fake?
Fighting Fake
is a citizen’s initiative which aims to:
• help raise public awareness
of the threat to human well-being, social cohesion, democracy and peaceful coexistence posed by lies, 'fake news' and bad information;
• encourage
netizens to take care to check ‘facts’ before posting on social media, and supporting quality journalism and non-governmental and community-based organisations that are actively engaged in fighting fake.
Good governance, human flourishing, and peaceful coexistence require that people treasure and revere accurate information and reasoned argument. Society cannot function without this.
Concerned about Lies & Half-Truths?
"The public will believe a simple lie rather than a complex truth." Alexis de Tocqueville
In ‘1984’ George Orwell wrote “during times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.” [2] These are
"times of universal deceit" and society needs decent people to stand up and challenge the ‘fake news’, humbug and disinformation that is poisoning public debate. Indeed, respect for honesty, truth and ‘the facts’ is a prerequisite for an informed public, good governance, human flourishing, and peace and justice.
If you are concerned about this 'new normal’, where political language is “designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind” (more Orwell) consider joining the debate on our Facebook
Page. And if you’d like to be involved in some capacity please get in touch
and help us built an effective movement to fight fake.
"The world is a dangerous place. Not because of the people who are evil; but because of the people who don't do anything about it.” Albert Einstein
Who's behind Fighting Fake?
Mike Flood coordinates Fighting Fake
(from not-for-profit Critical Information). He has worked in the NGO sector throughout his professional career, helping inform, motivate and empower local communities, both in the UK and abroad. [3] For the record: Fighting Fake
does not receive, nor have we sought, financial support for this work.
Notes
1 Sorry: this quote is fake: the sentiment is admirable but, like many things accredited to Jefferson (and many other famous people on the internet) it appears he never said it!
2 Here’s the rest of Orwell’s quote: “Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind. During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.” How true today in the era of ‘post-truth’ ushered in by Trump, Putin and their ilk...
3 There's a brief biographical note on the
About Page.
