False vs. Credible Information: A Challenge to the Modern Information World

False vs. Credible Information: A Challenge to the Modern Information World

2 June, 16:30–17:45

The development of digital technologies and the alternative media have brought to the fore the issue of fake news, making it a major headache for modern journalism. How can anyone distinguish truth from lies when the number of sources and channels of circulating information is increasing every day? The problem of disseminating false information has become a matter of concern not only for global media companies but also for the largest Internet platforms. Facebook and Google, in collaboration with the world’s leading media, have implemented content verification systems to sift through data to see if it is authentic. Can it be possible that modern society has no mechanism to shield itself from smear campaigns and mud-slinging? How can we deal with disinformation and attempts to manipulate public opinion? Are we going to face an era when it is impossible to distinguish between fake news and credible reports, or will only material that receives the majority of views and likes on social media be considered reliable?









Broadcast

Key moments

New is how fast people can get this false or true information. What can we do about it, defeat this beast of being false or being true? What I believe is essential in protecting ourselves – education at having doubts.
Giuseppe Cerbone
Chief Executive Officer, ANSA
New is how fast people can get this false or true information. What can we do about it, defeat this beast of being false or being true? What I believe is essential in protecting ourselves – education at having doubts.
Giuseppe Cerbone
Chief Executive Officer, ANSA
Nowadays, it is important not only to gather information, but also to make sense of it.
Sergey Mikhaylov
General Director, Russian News Agency TASS
I would consider arranging for a broad public discussion among people used to commenting on fake news, and try to educate people on the importance of essential ethical standards in the journalist profession.
Sergey Mikhaylov
General Director, Russian News Agency TASS
Modern technology, evolution of the Internet and social networks have massively accelerated the propagation of any news. Any news message, regardless of its quality, can go around the globe instantaneously via a social network.
Sergey Mikhaylov
General Director, Russian News Agency TASS
The function of traditional media in checking and filtering information has been re-evaluated. Japanese news organizations have not been so active in posting news on the websites and using social media. But they are now being forced to tackle this matter fully.
Kakuya Ogata
Managing Director, International Department, Kyodo News
We need to disrupt the economics around fake news. It is not just propaganda between governments; people earn money through advertising revenue on the internet, because people click on the articles and that brings money. Big technology companies have to tackle this in traditional way – go off to the money.
Ian Phillips
Vice President for International News, Associated Press (AP)
We do not give journalists time to research and find the truth. People have lost a passion to listen, to wait for investigation to be completed and to find facts.
Ian Phillips
Vice President for International News, Associated Press (AP)
Doesn’t the situation we are experiencing today in relation to Russia resemble some sort of information holocaust? The Russian Federation is being used as a bogeyman —for a reason or otherwise, and without any regard for the facts or common sense.
Maria Zakharova
Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
We are trying to foster a discussion on creating a global mechanism to prevent the spread of fabricated stories.
Maria Zakharova
Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation
We have established a practice of publishing articles containing false information together with notes clarifying where the falsity lies.
Maria Zakharova
Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation