Combatting climate-related misinformation and disinformation

The Commission has made a submission to the Senate Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy. The submission recognises that climate-related misinformation and disinformation potentially diminishes human rights by undermining informed public debate.

'Misinformation' and 'disinformation' can be broadly defined as:

• misinformation: Incorrect information shared without intent to deceive.
• disinformation: Deliberately false information designed to mislead.

This is not the same thing as controversial or unpopular opinions. The challenges of clearly defining misinformation and disinformation have previously been examined by the Human Rights Commissioner, who has emphasised that regulation must not improperly restrict access to diverse perspectives or censor different views.

The Commission's submission calls fora rights-based approach to tackling the harms of misinformation and disinformation, ensuring that efforts to address false information do not stifle public debate or freedom of expression.

The submission highlights the need for multi-faceted policy responses to address the harms of misinformation and disinformation while also recognising that a healthy democracy depends on the ability to challenge dominant narratives and engage in robust debate.

Learn more and read the full submission.