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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Advice to Tackle Rising Disinformation Ahead of Pivotal Elections Globally

August 31, 2023

From Argentina, where a far right libertarian candidate has emerged as the frontrunner in the general election this fall, to Mexico, India and the U.S. in 2024, the results of pivotal upcoming elections will have implications for democratic norms globally.

To Combat Disinformation, Journalists Need to ‘Go on the Offense,’ Says ICFJ President

August 30, 2023

An Editor & Publisher article recently featured ICFJ’s efforts to combat disinformation, through the Disarming Disinformation initiative. ICFJ President Sharon Moshavi discussed the various aspects of the program and highlighted the spread of disinformation on a global scale.

Graphic - Disarming Disinformation Grantees

Cross-Border Reporting Teams Expose Disinformation Campaigns in the Americas

July 12, 2023

A cadre of journalists trained to investigate the origins of false information in the Americas are exposing the inner workings of disinformation campaigns across the region, with several cross-border investigations published so far – including one for the Associated Press republished over 100 times.

Seven teams, made up of 22 media outlets hailing from 10 countries, published the investigations with training, funding and expert mentorship, through the Disarming Disinformation program run by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).

The stories uncover disinformation targeting migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border, the role U.S.-based organizations play in spreading gender disinformation in Latin America, the financing of climate change denialism in Brazil, and more.

Want to Help Tackle Disinformation? Train Your Community to Stop the Spread of False Information

July 11, 2023

ICFJ is now accepting applications for this “training of trainers” opportunity from individuals in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). It is part of Disarming Disinformation, a three-year global project run by ICFJ with lead funding from the Scripps Howard Fund.