Disarming Disinformation

Disinformation is a rampant problem and can have terrible, even deadly, consequences. It’s time to turn the page, to support and amplify innovative strategies that can combat dangerous falsehoods. It's time to identify and reveal the networks behind viral pieces of false content, and to make sure the next generation is prepared to separate fact from fiction.

Disarming Disinformation is ICFJ's largest program addressing the information disorder we live in. It is a three-year global program supported by the Scripps Howard Foundation. Between 2022 and 2025, the program will invest $3.8 million on solutions that effectively push back against disinformation.

The program has a multidisciplinary approach, designed to engage journalists and journalism students but also teachers, researchers, social media strategists, digital influencers, developers and others who have been fighting mis/disinformation across the globe. It does so through many initiatives, such as in-person and online trainings, grants, project mentorship, in-depth research, newsroom embedment and a slew of resources, such as how-to guides.

Disarming Disinformation is streamlined into three tracks: Investigative, Capacity Building and Research.

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Investigative

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Capacity Building

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Research

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A photo of Harriet Atyang presenting to a room of people.

From Walking Barefoot to School to Founding a Radio Station — Meet Harriet Atyang

October 21, 2024

Harriet Atyang is helping build a stronghold against disinformation in western Kenya. As the founder of a local radio station called Dada Radio based in Siaya, Kenya, she believes in the power of information. Through the first 19-person cohort of Disarming Disinformation’s training of trainers, she learned how to use and teach media literacy skills. In the months since, she has passed on those skills through mentorship programs for journalism students and workshops for community members.

A photo of Jyoti sitting in a recording studio, with a microphone in front of her.

IJNet Journalist of the Month: Jyoti Dwivedi

October 7, 2024

Jyoti Dwivedi is more than just a reporter. She is a catalyst, an agent of change. During a career spanning more than 15 years, Dwivedi has taken fake aliases, pretended she was pregnant and skirted the police working undercover. She regularly puts herself at risk for her stories – but shows little fear.

A photo of James Okong'o being interviewed in an office. He's sitting in front of a large light and camera equipment.

How Journalists in the ICFJ Network are Covering Elections Around the Globe

September 26, 2024

James Okong'o — who recently published an eye-opening investigation about disinformation campaigns in Kenya and Nigeria — is just one of many journalists ICFJ has equipped to reach voters with trustworthy news. In a year when more than 60 countries are holding national elections, this support is foundational.

ICFJ-Backed Journalist Uncovers Disinformation Networks in Kenyan and Nigerian Elections

August 30, 2024

Investigative journalist James Okong’o interviewed six “digital mercenaries” to uncover how they were paid to organize disinformation campaigns and influence recent elections in Kenya and Nigeria. The report, published by Agence France-Presse Fact Check, revealed new details about how these influential bloggers and social media personalities worked to discredit political opponents, undermine political institutions and fuel tensions.