Disinformation is false or modified information knowingly and deliberately shared to cause harm or achieve a broader aim.
Misinformation is information that is false or misleading, though not created or shared with the direct intention of causing harm.
The way that people access and consume information has radically changed in the last few decades. The ease and speed of access to digitised information has come with numerous benefits. However, these technologies can be used in ways that cause harm. Where individuals or groups communicate to shape public perception in ways that may be manipulative, deceptive or misleading, this can be referred to as ‘disinformation’.
New Zealanders have told us they are concerned about the effects of disinformation and misinformation. Results from public engagement, including National Security public surveys in 2022 and 2023 showed that misinformation and disinformation are high on the list of national security threats that people feel would likely occur in both the short- and long-term.
Government’s role
Disinformation is one of New Zealand’s National Security Strategy core issues and a National Security Intelligence Priority.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet coordinates New Zealand’s response to the national security implications of disinformation. We work across three areas, alongside civil society, other government agencies, and international partners.
Strengthening awareness and institutions
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet focuses on understanding the evolving challenges of disinformation and impacts on New Zealand’s national security and liberal democratic institutions.
This includes advising on risks, mitigations, and policy, and providing expertise across government, especially around key events.
Contributing internationally
In our digitally-connected society, disinformation can circulate globally and rapidly. Every New Zealander can be impacted by being connected to the internet.
New Zealand works alongside our like-minded partners on international initiatives to strengthen resilience to disinformation, where they align with our values and interests.
Societal resilience
Over 2023 – 2024, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet implemented a civil society-led work programme to build understanding and resilience against the harms of disinformation. This programme was grounded in a ‘whole of society’ approach led primarily by civil society, recognising the need to maintain an open internet and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet coordinated three key initiatives:
- Public research and analysis
- Multi-Stakeholder Group on strengthening Aotearoa New Zealand’s resilience to disinformation
- Support for capacity-building and community resilience (delivered by Internet New Zealand)
Collectively, these three workstreams have provided an evidence base to better understand the challenges of disinformation in the New Zealand context and to develop future responses.
Other responses
Individual government agencies and statutory bodies are responsible for addressing misinformation and disinformation issues that relate to their specific roles.
Resources
Election protocols
For the 2023 General Election, the government issued four inter-agency protocols that set out the roles and responsibilities of the Electoral Commission and government agencies for the delivery and support of the General Election.
The Protocol on communications related to the 2023 General Election process outlines the roles of agencies in managing public communications for the election, including how to address misleading or inaccurate information about the General Election.
Netsafe
Netsafe is New Zealand’s independent, non-profit online safety organisation, providing online safety support, expertise and education to people in New Zealand.
This includes tools and resources for schools and kura that cover digital citizenship and skills and strategies to communicate online.
Netsafe also has specific guidance on how to spot false and misleading information. Check out Your News Bulletin for resources and activities.
What’s Netsafe’s advice?
Understand the context: Information is presented to you everywhere. Check where the original story appeared and who is promoting it. Find out if the source is credible before sharing it.
Check the facts: Fake news often contains incorrect details, unreliable sources or altered timelines. You can often research and cross reference key facts with a simple web search.
Understand the subtlety: Sometimes real information can be distorted to become fake news. Be especially wary of image or video descriptions that might be misrepresenting what is happening in them.
Compare other sources: Every news source has its limitations. When news is important, it’s hard to contain. If you can only find it in one place, you should be cautious. Check the differences between similar reports to understand the facts before sharing it.
Know your biases: We quickly and subconsciously accept news that aligns with our beliefs and negatively react to information that is different. It’s important to take time and reflect on how news is making you feel before reacting or sharing.
Stop the spread: You can minimise the spread of misinformation by reporting fake accounts, or pages and domains repeatedly sharing misinformation using the Help Centre on the social media platform you are using.
Use trusted sources: Netsafe is advising people wanting the most accurate health information about COVID-19 to rely on the Ministry of Health, covid19.govt.nz or Hāpai Te Hauora websites.
Netsafe helps people experiencing a range of online harms. This service is confidential and free. They are open from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and from 9am-5pm weekends and public holidays.
- Complete an online report form (https://netsafe.org.nz/report/)
- Call toll-free on 0508 NETSAFE (0508 638 723)
- Email [email protected]
- Text Netsafe to 4282