Algorithms are insufficient to curb disinformation

Significance

However, such technical content filters struggle with the increasingly sophisticated and nuanced disinformation campaigns, involving activity from both automated bots and humans, being organised by malicious and state-sponsored actors.

Impacts

• Political polarisation and media distrust will prevent cross-party consensus on tackling disinformation in many regions.
• Repressive regimes will regularly ban specific social platforms or throttle the internet to control information flows.
• Maintaining human oversight over technical filters is essential to lower the risk of automation bias.