LONDON — Fake news is a growing phenomenon, and though it might not be the first thing we think of when we hear the term, there is evidence to suggest it is beginning to pose a serious challenge for development organizations.
A report published last month by the International Broadcasting Trust defines two ways in which development organizations have fallen victim to fake news: Through “malicious fabrications” deliberately spread about their work; and through the disruption caused by internet trolls using misinformation to “sway public attitudes” against the causes they fight for.
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About the author
Russell Hargrave
Russell Hargrave is a writer and PR professional in London, with a special interest in issues covering global development, immigration and the EU. He has worked on communications in the UK charity sector for the last eight years, including spells at an NGO helping refugees, a national think tank, and a major grantmaker, and before that as an aide to his local Member of Parliament. He is the author of two research reports into public attitudes towards asylum seekers, as well as a chapter in the book Snappy Reading about the 2017 General Election. He has written for dozens of platforms including Reuters, The Tablet, The Guardian, and politics.co.uk.
