When is false information harmful to the public?

Broadcasting false information that causes substantial ‘public harm’ The FCC prohibits broadcasting false information about a crime or a catastrophe if the broadcaster knows the information is false and will cause substantial “public harm” if aired.

What happens if you publish information that harms another person?

First, if you publish information that harms the reputation of another person, group, or organization, or inflicts emotional distress upon another person, you may be liable for “defamation” or “false light.”

Why is it important to report misinformation online?

In the context of the strategic partnership with the Government of the United Kingdom, WHO has joined forces with its communications teams to raise awareness of misinformation around COVID-19 and encourage individuals to report false or misleading content online.

What are the rules for broadcasting false information?

Broadcasting false information that causes substantial ‘public harm’. The FCC prohibits broadcasting false information about a crime or a catastrophe if the broadcaster knows the information is false and will cause substantial “public harm” if aired. FCC rules specifically say that “the public harm: must begin immediately and cause direct…

How are people misperceiving information in the media?

When the percentages of people misperceiving in each area were averaged, it was found that those receiving information from for-profit broadcast media outlets were nearly three times as likely to misperceive as those receiving from the nonprofit media organizations.