Recognising misinformation and disinformation
Fake or misleading information can spread easily online, including posts and images on social media.
Misinformation and disinformation
Misinformation is incorrect information that is shared without the intention to deceive.
Disinformation is deliberately created or shared to mislead people.
Both can cause confusion, fear and mistrust, particularly during incidents or emergencies.
It is important to check information carefully before accepting it as true or sharing it with others.
Stop, think and check if information you see is accurate and reliable. Some of it may be designed to create fear, tension, or division.
Check information is trustworthy
Not everything you see online, including on social media, is real or accurate.
Base your decisions (particularly what you post or share online) on verified information, not speculation.
Sharing false information can cause unnecessary alarm, fear, affect safety, potentially cause harm and make the work of emergency services more difficult.
You should only rely on official updates from recognised sources, such as emergency services, trusted organisations, and official news outlets.
Before you receive, create, or share information online:
- check the source
- verify the details
- use trusted updates
Advice and guidance
For children
You can find advice at the following links on how to help children think critically about the information they see online:
- Help your child stay safe online
- What should you trust online?
- Fake news and misinformation – Internet Matters
How to report harmful content
You can report online material promoting terrorism or extremism at this link:
You can report criminal activity to:
- PSNI
- information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
You can report harmful content you’ve seen online at these links:
There is further advice at the following link:
More useful links