The Looming Threat of Health Misinformation in Aotearoa New Zealand
Misinformation, defined as inaccurate or misleadingly presented information with the potential to cause harm, poses a growing threat to public health in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). While the full extent of this threat remains unclear due to a lack of comprehensive research and monitoring, international examples and emerging trends in NZ highlight the potential for serious consequences. From influencing vaccine hesitancy and undermining trust in health authorities to promoting harmful health practices, misinformation can erode public health efforts and disrupt social cohesion. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the dangers of misinformation, with instances of individuals consuming toxic substances based on false claims of protection against the virus.
The issue of health misinformation extends beyond individual choices and impacts broader societal well-being. Misinformation can erode public trust in science, healthcare institutions, and the government, hindering collective responses to health crises. Declining childhood vaccination rates in NZ, partly attributed to misinformation fueling vaccine hesitancy, exemplify this concern. The potential for measles epidemics and infant deaths from whooping cough underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. Furthermore, misinformation can exacerbate existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities who may lack access to accurate information or be more susceptible to misleading narratives.
While there is growing international recognition of the threat of misinformation, with organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlighting its dangers, progress in addressing this issue in NZ appears to have stalled. Several organizations that previously tracked and monitored misinformation environments have ceased operations, creating a significant gap in understanding the current landscape and potential risks. The absence of active monitoring and research makes it difficult to accurately assess the prevalence and impact of health misinformation, hindering informed decision-making on effective countermeasures.
The need for renewed investment in misinformation monitoring and research is paramount. Understanding the types of misinformation circulating and their impact is crucial for developing targeted interventions. Front-line health professionals require access to this information to effectively address public concerns and provide accurate, accessible, and tailored information to relevant audiences. The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) previously supported initiatives to monitor misinformation, but these efforts have since been discontinued. This lack of ongoing support could leave NZ vulnerable to a sudden surge in misinformation and its associated risks.
Several recommendations have been put forward to strengthen NZ’s resilience to misinformation. The DPMC’s Multi-Stakeholder Group report emphasized the need for NZ-specific research to guide interventions. The Brainbox Institute report, commissioned by DPMC, proposed the establishment of a diverse, multidisciplinary, civil society-led institution to conduct ongoing, independent analysis of social media communications for monitoring and analyzing potential disinformation and misinformation. Key design principles for such an institute include full integration into civil society, prioritizing data access, a cross-platform focus, continual self-assessment, explicability, insights from diverse sources, and centering Te Ao Māori perspectives.
Beyond research and monitoring, other policy levers can contribute to building resilience against misinformation. These include initiatives to enhance information literacy across the population, supporting local journalism, and stronger policies around data transparency and accountability for online platforms. The International Health Regulations, to which NZ is a signatory, further underscores the importance of building research capacity for risk communication, including addressing misinformation. Addressing the challenge of health misinformation requires a multi-faceted approach involving research, monitoring, public education, and policy interventions to safeguard public health and strengthen social cohesion. Investing in these efforts is essential to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.