Page 31 - JDPA Volume 02, Issue 02

Journal of Defence & Policy Analysis Volume 02, Issue 02, December 2023

2. Promoting robust public information regimes and wide-ranging access to in-
formation.

Promoting robust public information regimes and ensuring wide-ranging access
to information are critical in combating disinformation. In its resolution 76/227,
the United Nations General Assembly highlighted the importance of dissemi-
nating factual, timely, clear, accessible, multilingual, and evidence-based infor-
mation. This resolution emphasizes the necessity for all relevant stakeholders to
address the challenges posed by disinformation.

Maximizing transparency and access to information is central to building trust in
public institutions, governance, and processes. For example, during the COVID-19
pandemic, the governments of Estonia and the Dominican Republic implement-
ed measures to address disinformation effectively, showcasing the importance of
transparent communication in times of crisis.

On a global scale, the United Nations launched the Verified campaign, led by
the Department of Global Communications, to promote accurate information
and counteract misinformation. These initiatives underscore the crucial role of
clear and accessible information in fostering informed societies and combating
the spread of disinformation. By enhancing public information regimes and en-
suring that accurate information is readily available, these efforts aim to build a
foundation of trust and resilience against the impacts of false information.

3. Protecting free and independent media and dialogue with communities.

Protecting free and independent media and fostering dialogue with communities
are essential in the fight against disinformation. The Special Rapporteur on the
right to freedom of opinion and expression has asserted that if independent pub-
lic interest media cannot survive, disinformation will flourish, journalists will
face increased dangers, and societies’ right to information will be compromised.
An independent, diverse, and adequately resourced media, adhering to high stan-
dards of journalism, can significantly rebalance the relationship between news
media and online platforms. Such media can play a crucial role in countering
disinformation effectively. While maintaining rigorous journalistic standards
and ensuring the media is well-supported, societies can create a robust defense
against the spread of false information and uphold the fundamental right to ac-
cess accurate and reliable information.

Faculty of Defence and Strategic Studies, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka
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