The fight against online misinformation is intensifying, but the warriors on the front lines—disinformation researchers—are facing unprecedented threats. From relentless harassment and death threats to expensive lawsuits and the chilling effect of limited data access, these experts are grappling with a hostile environment that jeopardizes their ability to protect the integrity of the internet, particularly as the 2024 presidential election approaches. This escalating conflict highlights a troubling trend: those dedicated to exposing online falsehoods are increasingly becoming targets themselves.
Key Takeaways: A Fight for Truth in a Hostile Digital Landscape
- Disinformation researchers are facing a surge in harassment, lawsuits, and death threats, creating a “chilling effect” on their work.
- Powerful individuals and entities, including Elon Musk and the House Judiciary Committee headed by Jim Jordan, are actively targeting researchers through litigation and investigations.
- Tech platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Meta, and YouTube are restricting data access for researchers, hindering their ability to analyze misinformation.
- The rising prevalence of AI-generated disinformation further complicates the issue, making it harder to identify and counter.
- Despite immense challenges, researchers remain dedicated to their work, highlighting the crucial need for protection and support for those combating online falsehoods.
‘Those Attacks Take Their Toll’: The Rising Dangers for Disinformation Researchers
For the past decade, disinformation researchers have played a critical role in exposing harmful online content, including Russian propaganda, COVID-19 conspiracies, and false claims of voter fraud. However, the 2024 election cycle marks a significant shift: researchers now find themselves facing an unprecedented level of hostility. Nina Jankowicz, a prominent disinformation expert and former member of the White House’s Disinformation Governance Board, exemplifies this struggle. Her work has led to government inquiries, lawsuits, and a constant barrage of harassment, forcing her to significantly alter her life to ensure her safety and that of her family. “I don’t want somebody who wishes harm to show up,” she stated, emphasizing the profound impact this hostility has had on her personal life.
The Legal and Financial Costs of Truth-Seeking
This increased hostility is not an isolated incident. Multiple researchers interviewed by CNBC described a similar pattern of attacks. Alex Abdo, litigation director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, notes that these attacks and legal expenses have unfortunately become “an occupational hazard” for those working in this field. The Knight First Amendment Institute itself has been instrumental in defending researchers against these legal challenges.
The financial burden is substantial. Stanford Internet Observatory (SIO), for example, has spent millions defending lawsuits filed by conservative groups alleging collusion with the federal government. This financial strain led to significant downsizing at SIO. The repercussions extend to major tech companies; Google recently laid off several employees from its trust and safety research unit, further weakening the capacity for effective misinformation research.
Less Access to Tech Platforms: Stifling Research
Beyond direct threats, researchers are facing significant obstacles in accessing the very data they need to conduct their work. Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter, now X, has drastically altered the landscape. X’s changes include a new pricing structure for accessing its data library, making it prohibitively expensive for many researchers. Initially offering free access via the API, the new pricing requires at least $42,000 a month for access to just 50 million tweets causing a significant hurdle many researchers cannot overcome. Musk justified this change claiming it would mitigate abuse of the API.
Shifting Policies and Data Restrictions
The restrictions aren’t limited to X. Meta’s shutdown of CrowdTangle, a valuable tool for tracking misinformation, and the limited data access provided by platforms like TikTok and YouTube severely hamper researchers’ ability to analyze online trends and identify potential threats. Although Media claims this tool’s replacement is improved, many researchers disagree. This lack of access forces researchers to rely on manual methods, a time-consuming, resource-intensive approach that is simply unsustainable on a large scale.
In some instances, companies’ policies appear to actively exacerbate the spread of misinformation. YouTube’s decision to stop removing false claims about the 2020 election, and Meta’s previous policy allowing political ads questioning election legitimacy, illustrate this trend. While some companies, such as YouTube, claim to engage with researchers to study social media platforms and are working to increase researcher’s access to information, this remains a significant challenge.
Not Giving Up: The Ongoing Fight for Information Integrity
Despite the immense challenges, disinformation researchers remain determined to continue their work. The creation of new organizations like Jankowicz’s American Sunlight Project underscores their commitment. However, the fear and uncertainty are palpable, not just for the researchers themselves, but for the future of effective online misinformation combating abilities. The need for protection and support for these individuals cannot be overstated. Their work is vital, and any impediment to their legitimate research has dire consequences for the democratic process.
Legal Victories and Ongoing Concerns
While there have been some legal victories, such as the dismissal of X’s lawsuit against the Center for Countering Digital Hate, the overall environment remains deeply concerning. The period between Election Day and Inauguration Day is of particular concern, given the potential for significant misinformation campaigns to influence perceptions of the results, much like what occurred following the 2020 election. The constant fear of legal action and online harassment is a significant deterrent for other researchers. Even with some legal wins, the financial and emotional toll of such battles remain significant.
The future of disinformation research hangs in the balance. The current hostile environment significantly burdens organizations that research online misinformation and disrupts efforts to mitigate the spread of falsehoods across the internet. The need for better protection for these essential professionals is clear and immediate, not merely for the researchers themselves, but for the health of our digital society.
