The concept of disinformation in the practice of international organizations

Abstract

This paper deals with a conceptual understanding of the term disinformation as it used in the political documents and strategies of international organizations. While fully acknowledging that various risks related to the spreading of disinformation in the “digital ecosystem” are very serious, we find that a precise definition of the term disinformation is difficult to draw. As a consequence of certain ambiguities in the various definitions used by international organizations, there is a high risk of human rights violations, especially of the freedom of expression. Unprecise and ambiguous legal terms leave a broad space for abuse by state bodies. Ultimately, the cure might by worse than the disease.