Counterforces and Detection of Disinformation

Due to the large amount of unconfined disinformation and the increasing mess of rhizomatic connecting information networks, ways to counter disinformation are addressed and formed at different levels of national and international communities. This chapter examines disinformation countermeasures on the basis of recently published academic literature and counter-disinformation guidelines. Disinformation and information-influencing activities are inspected in connection with the current state of the world, including but not limited to the war in Ukraine, the rising amount of online disinformation globally, and the overall erosion of the information environment. These topics are all linked to our research with Finnish authorities and their experiences with disinformation, as well as their possibilities to counter disinformation. We examine the types of disinformation countermeasures through the following categories: prevention; improving resilience; observation, disclosure, and evaluation; and managing the effects. Overall, there is no blueprint solution to tackle the multiple challenges that spreading disinformation causes. Therefore, a wide range of disinformation countermeasures are needed to be directed towards different parts of society, from legislation to the use of AI to detect false information online. We recommend that Finland and other democratic countries decide how much disinformation they are willing to tolerate in society.