Fake News

Summary:

Attempts at influencing or distorting elections in the United States and other countries, including some EU Member States, drew attention to what is commonly referred to as 'fake news', or false news posing as factual stories.

Although the phenomenon of generating misleading news stories is not new, the growth of social media led to a significant proliferation of this phenomenon. Some outlets use deceitful headlines and content to boost readership, in a search of higher advertising revenue. Other sources, often sponsored by certain state actors, are accused of spreading 'fake news' for entirely political ends.

This Briefing offers links to recent commentaries and reports published by international think tanks on 'fake news' and broader related issues.

Further information:

In March 2018, the European Commission published the Final Report of the High Level Expert Group on Fake News and Online Disinformation, which proposes ways to combat the phenomenon.

In April 2018 a Commission Communication followed, entitled Tackling online disinformation: a European Approach.

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