Surveys have consistently shown more than 80% of New Zealanders are concerned about the impacts of disinformation. We need to understand the extent of disinformation to effectively counter it and build societal resilience to its harms.
Independent research was commissioned over 2023 and 2024, with the aim of developing Aotearoa New Zealand’s ability to analyse, identify, and understand disinformation online. Research was carried out by:
- Hate and Extremism Insights Aotearoa, led by researchers from the University of Auckland.
- Logically, a United Kingdom-based technology company.
The suppliers were selected by an independent evaluation panel following an open request for proposals.
These independent research reports are intended to help New Zealanders better understand the challenges of disinformation, develop New Zealand’s ability to identify and address disinformation online, and support further research and work in this area.
Ahead of undertaking this work, DPMC carried out extensive reviews to ensure compliance with public sector standards, best practice, and the Privacy Act 2020:
- Only publicly available data was collected. No data from private messages was collected.
- All collected data was anonymised so that individuals cannot be identified, and reports focus on high-level trends.
- The suppliers ensured that they did not send or disclose any raw data to DPMC, including any containing personal information.
- DPMC required both suppliers to undertake privacy impact assessments and comply with the relevant public sector codes and standards.
The views, opinions and findings expressed in these reports do not necessarily represent those of DPMC, nor those of the New Zealand Government.
The reports are available on the researchers’ websites, and linked to below:
This work was part of the civil society-led programme to strengthen national capacity to identify and address disinformation that DPMC led over 2023 - 2024. For more information about the other initiatives in this programme: