2024: A Year Besieged by Disinformation, Foreshadowing Escalating Risks in 2025
The World Economic Forum (WEF), in its 2025 Global Risks Report, has once again identified misinformation and disinformation as the most pressing global risk in the immediate future. This stark warning echoes the 2024 report, underscoring the persistent and pervasive nature of this threat. The past year has provided a stark illustration of disinformation’s impact across diverse communities, highlighting the urgent need for effective countermeasures. The coinciding announcement by Meta, ending its third-party fact-checking program, further exacerbates concerns about the unchecked spread of false information on social media platforms.
Disinformation, defined as deliberately misleading information intended to manipulate public opinion, frequently operates in tandem with misinformation, the unintentional spread of false information. This insidious combination poses a grave danger to societies worldwide, and cities are increasingly finding themselves on the front lines. Reflecting on the events of 2024 offers valuable lessons in understanding the evolving nature of disinformation and developing strategies to mitigate its impact in the future. A chronological review of key incidents from the past year reveals the multifaceted nature of this threat and its potential to disrupt communities and sow discord.
The year began with the WEF’s ominous prediction about the dangers of mis- and disinformation. February saw a measles outbreak in Florida linked to persistent anti-vaccine misinformation, exacerbated by statements from the state’s Surgeon General that seemingly undermined vaccine confidence. March witnessed a surge of disinformation following a terrorist attack in Moscow, including manipulated footage and false accusations. In April, a deepfake recording of a school principal in Baltimore containing offensive and racist content further fueled existing community divisions.
The following months continued to showcase the diverse forms that disinformation can take. May saw climate disinformation, particularly surrounding London’s Ultra-Low Emissions Zone, used to influence the mayoral election. June brought a disturbing example of gendered disinformation with the creation of deepfake pornography targeting girls in Bacchus Marsh, Australia. July witnessed anti-immigrant riots across England, fueled by disinformation following a tragic murder. In August, postal workers in Wellington, New Zealand, refused to deliver pamphlets containing anti-Muslim and anti-City Council disinformation, recognizing the potential for community harm.
September brought disaster disinformation during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the US, hampering emergency response efforts. October saw local elections in Australia marred by fake social media accounts targeting candidates, while a report highlighted Californians’ concerns about the threat of misinformation. November and December were marked by disinformation surrounding floods in Valencia, Spain, and a synagogue firebombing in Melbourne, Australia, respectively. These incidents, among numerous others, demonstrate the pervasive nature of disinformation and its potential to exploit vulnerabilities during crises and elections.
In response to the escalating threat of disinformation, 2024 saw significant collaboration between researchers and various sectors to develop effective countermeasures. The University of Melbourne, in partnership with the German Marshall Fund of the United States, produced a global playbook to guide city responses to disinformation. This resource, co-created with experts and peer-reviewed by different levels of government, provides practical guidance for local authorities in tackling this complex challenge. Additionally, a micro-credential program on recognizing and managing disinformation was developed and delivered in collaboration with various organizations.
These initiatives reflect the crucial role that universities and research institutions can play in bridging knowledge gaps and informing solutions to societal challenges. The University of Melbourne’s Disinformation in the City project has facilitated discussions with cities, national governments, and international organizations like the G7 and UN-HABITAT. This engagement demonstrates the increasing recognition of disinformation as a global issue requiring coordinated responses across different levels of governance.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Disinformation in the City project will continue its work with the support of various partners. The project will focus on addressing disinformation challenges at the local level, particularly in areas like natural disasters, technological transitions, sustainability, and social cohesion. The WEF’s continued emphasis on the risks of disinformation underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to combat its spread. As the impacts of disinformation are often felt most acutely at the local level, local responses remain crucial in mitigating its harmful effects. The focus on community engagement and empowering local authorities with the necessary tools and knowledge will be essential in navigating the ongoing challenge of disinformation in the years to come.