fake news

The present article aims to investigate the modality of coverage and infodemic management regarding COVID 19 by the two Iranian mainstream media i.e., IRNA and Fars News Agency. To investigate the modality of infodemic management, the article specifically examines ‘building resilience to misinformation’. To reach this aim, content analysis has been used. Data for this study were selected from the Instagram pages of Fars News Agency (@fras_news) and Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) (Irna_1313) from February 19, 2019, the day of the official announcement regarding the first Coronavirus case in Iran, until October 25, 2021. In total 218 items were collected, out of which 64 cases were from IRNA and 154 were from Fars News Agency. Both news agencies were examined in terms of infodemic type, Infodemic themes and infodemic sources. The results of the study indicated that in terms of infodemic type, Fars mainly focused on fake news; while IRNA concentrated on prevalent public questions and concerns regarding the Coronavirus. In terms of infodemic themes, both news agencies focused on Corona phobia and vaccination. The results of the study indicate that social networking sites are the main sources of spreading infodemic regarding COVID-19. 

The development of digital technology encourages the advantages of using digital media as the main information source. However, such development has also been misused by certain individuals or entities to mislead the public by generating fake news. On the Internet, false information travels faster than the truth, and it takes a lot of effort to stop it. This article uses a qualitative approach analysis to evaluate the various strategies used to thwart false news. In the first part, the authors described the notion of false news. In the second part, the authors examined the legislative framework that Malaysian parliaments have adopted to make it illegal to spread and publish false information. In the final part, the authors zoomed through the lens of jurisprudence that can be applied as a counter measure against dissemination of fake news. Hence, the importance of this article is to provide a clear understanding of the jurisprudence analysis of fake news in Malaysia.

Advancements in technology and the pervasive influence of internet and social media on individuals have propelled societies into post-truth era. This epoch is characterized by distinct features that have brought about significant changes in both societal dynamics and communication methods. Notably, the emergence and proliferation of social media and internet have played a key role in shaping and exacerbating these changes. Given that information dissemination and communication via internet and social media platforms now constitute a substantial component of contemporary public diplomacy practices, the realms of public diplomacy and post-truth share commonalities in terms of platforms used, target audience, and content delivered to them. Consequently, alterations in these factors within the post-truth era have a discernible impact on the field of public diplomacy. This study aims to investigate and analyze this impact, using grounded theory method to propose a novel analytical model for assessing public diplomacy activities within the framework of post-truth era. An examination of how these factors are applied in the realm of public diplomacy reveals a notable shift in policies and practices, from traditional objective of cultivating a positive image, towards a more assertive approach. This study introduces this new approach as a theoretical framework, termed "Antagonistic Public Diplomacy".

After a brief description of what fake news is and how it has been developed historically, we have claimed that fake news as we know it is generally a social media phenomenon. Despite the fact that Iran is considered a developing country, and not still a developed one, one might think Iran is less likely to fall prey of complicated fake news industry that negatively affect prosperous and affluent countries. But the vice versa is correct. Doing an extensive survey on previous research on fake news in Iran, we have shown how fake news will hinder unprecedented facilities for freedom of expression and even will make people contemplate giving up their freedom of expression in order to avoid or get rid of fake news. A naïve view could see a bright future for unbiased and disinterested news gathering and publishing, but research has shown in a totally unregulated media sphere, it is fake news that is more radially available and more quickly becoming viral.

Background: Misinformation has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades, evolving from relatively simple text-based fake news articles to highly sophisticate AI-driven content such as deepfakes and other forms of manipulated media.Aims: This paper traces the historical development of misinformation, its increasing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the potential future trajectories of disinformation as AI technologies advance.Methodology: We begin by examining the shift from traditional text-based disinformation campaigns, often propagated via social media platforms, to more immersive and persuasive forms of AI-generated media.Discussions: We discuss how AI techniques, such as Generative Adversarial Networks and Natural Language Processing, have revolutionized the landscape of false information, allowing for the automation of misinformation production and its widespread dissemination at an unprecedented scale. Furthermore, this paper investigates the role of social media algorithms in amplifying disinformation, demonstrating how these platforms, originally designed to prioritize user engagement, inadvertently aid in the spread of false information by promoting sensationalized or emotionally charged content. Through an in-depth analysis of case studies, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 U.S. elections, this paper highlights the dangers posed by AI-generated misinformation, particularly deepfakes, which are becoming increasingly difficult to detect, even by advanced AI systems. The implications of this shift for democratic processes, public trust, and societal cohesion are profound. This paper also explores the ethical dilemmas posed by AI-driven misinformation and presents potential solutions through the lens of AI-enhanced detection technologies and policy interventions. Lastly, this paper emphasizes the urgent need for interdisciplinary cooperation between policymakers, technologists, and media organizations to mitigate the harmful impacts of AI-driven misinformation while preserving the integrity of information in the digital age.Conclusions: By exploring both technological and regulatory approaches, a comprehensive framework for understanding the evolving threat of AI-driven disinformation is essential and pathways for future research in this critical area is suggested.