The publication of the country’s first ever national strategy to counter disinformation — initially supposed to be out eight months ago — is still in doubt, as the country heads towards a general election. The National Counter Disinformation Strategy Working Group was set up by Media Minister Catherine Martin in February 2023 and various drafts have been in circulation since earlier this year. Publication of the strategy has been repeatedly pushed back, with initial Government statements that it would be out before March this year. The latter includes social media posts making erroneous claims about polling stations, voting times, and the integrity of the voting system itself. Posts on the purported event appeared on an anonymous event website, before being shared on social media platforms including TikTok and Instagram.

Source: Irish Examiner November 08, 2024 07:00 UTC