Where to begin monitoring false information

For successful fake news monitoring, it’s necessary to follow several rules:

First, begin by auditing the region’s media landscape to identify outlets prone to publishing fake news. Expand this list as needed.

At the second stage, compile a catalog of fake news narratives typical for the region. Specialists should make it a habit to regularly track disinformation trends on dedicated monitoring platforms. Additionally, assemble a team of fake-news watchdogs to monitor private chat groups.

It would also be useful to establish cooperation with regional authorities and emergency services to obtain real-time data during crisis situations.

Of course, if we lived in an ideal world, monitoring would be fully automated, with AI systems sending push notifications whenever new fake news enters the information space. Perfect, right?

Regional Media Map of Fake News Sources

The media map of outlets prone to publishing fake news should include:

1. Social media public pages with user-generated content, such as various “Overheard” or “Blacklists” communities.

2. Emergency incident groups, where users share unverified reports about fires, car accidents, murders, etc.

3. Toxic platforms of opposition groups and opinion leaders. Examples: “Independent Doctors’ Associations,” “Parental Resistance,” and so on.

4. Tabloid media — outlets that tend to exaggerate and distort information for hype.