Infodemic management and information ethics

Global Health Ethics Overview

This research cluster addresses the challenge of infodemics. It aims to define WHO's ethical framework for infodemic management and social listening. The cluster examines the impact of mis/disinformation, the role of technology and AI ethics, and the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in combating mis/disinformation. Our goal is to develop strategies that enhance societal resilience against infodemics, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and the tech industry to foster a more informed and critically aware public.

• Federico Germani
• Giovanni Spitale
• Nikola Biller-Andorno
• Rasita Vinay

Financed by: WHO

Duration: 2020 - 2026

The World Health Organization (WHO) has underscored the urgency of managing infodemics—overabundance of information, both accurate and false, during health crises. This research cluster contributes to the field of infodemic management by developing a comprehensive understanding of the ethical considerations and practical interventions necessary for navigating misinformation and disinformation.

At the heart of our research cluster is the development of the WHO framework for ethical infodemic management and social listening. This framework is designed to guide global responses to the challenges of mis/disinformation in health crises, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in both the collection and dissemination of information. 

We conduct a series of experimental, empirical, and theoretical research studies focused on the dissemination and societal impact of mis/disinformation and on risk and crisis communication. These studies critically assess, e.g., the role of AI ethics and technological alignment, probing the moral responsibilities of digital platforms and AI systems in curbing or exacerbating the damages caused by the spreading of false information. Furthermore, our work delves into the development and enhancement of critical thinking skills as a vital defence against mis/disinformation. We evaluate the effectiveness of educational interventions and media/information literacy skills in fostering the ability to critically assess and discern the credibility of information sources. This line of inquiry not only contributes to a deeper understanding of the cognitive processes involved in mis/disinformation recognition but also informs the design of more effective strategies for empowering individuals to navigate the complex information landscape autonomously.

This research cluster aims to lay the groundwork for more resilient societies capable of withstanding the challenges posed by infodemics. This work holds significant implications for policymakers, educators, technology developers, and the broader public, offering a roadmap for ethical infodemic management and the promotion of a more informed and critically engaged citizenry.