Digital innovations such as high-speed internet, artificial intelligence, smartphones and social media have dramatically changed the speed, intensity and nature of public communication. These innovations have many positive effects, but they also facilitate the spread of what is known as disinformation. This manipulated or false information makes many people feel uncertain and puts pressure on our democracy.
Disinformation is content, which is manipulated and deliberately disseminated. It is extremely challenging not only for Germany, but for many other countries as well. Today, new technologies and software programs make it very easy to spread fake images, videos and spoken words. Deliberately false or misleading assertions can be spread in the blink of an eye and are often shared without questioning their authenticity. This can lead to a feeling of insecurity and a loss of trust within society. In this way, disinformation can also become a threat to democracy.