Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Phil Howard and Emily Bell
May 27, 2020
Phil Howard, director of the Oxford Internet Institute and author of Lie Machines, teams up with Emily Bell, director of Columbia University's Tow Center for Digital Journalism, to delve into the troubling rise of disinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic. They dissect the viral conspiracy theories like 'Plandemic' and the shifting narrative around public figures like Bill Gates. The duo also critiques big tech’s efforts, particularly Facebook’s struggles with misinformation, highlighting the urgent need for better management and regulation in the digital landscape.
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State-Sponsored Disinformation
- State-sponsored disinformation campaigns, originating from countries like China and Russia, are rampant.
- These campaigns aim to undermine trust in Western democracies, particularly regarding the pandemic.
Reach of Disinformation
- Chinese and Russian state media reach a vast audience, exceeding even major news outlets like CNN or BBC.
- They employ armies of trolls and complex cross-platform strategies to amplify their messages and sow doubt.
Domestic Disinformation
- Domestic actors, including politicians and lobbyists, exploit pre-existing anxieties and uncertainties.
- They capitalize on people's desire for alternative explanations, especially when reality is challenging.
