Disinformation knows no frontiers

Disinformation activities on social media undermine democratic institutions, erode trust in governments, affect corporate brands and pose a serious risk for the average citizen. Perpetrators of disinformation are increasing their sophistication and abilities to promote division, conflict and even violence. The problem is growing, and more than ever, we need to better understand the phenomenon and take measures to counter this disinformation crisis. Mitigating disinformation while respecting guarantees of freedom of expression will, however, represent a challenge.

About the Lab

The Information Integrity Lab (IIL) researches disinformation sources, motivations, capabilities and intentions of malign state and non-state actors, all within the parameters established by Canadian and provincial legislation. The IIL draws on resources that intersect the disciplines of computer engineering, humanities, law, data analytics, and human rights. The Lab functions as a growing international partnership of technical experts, researchers, academics and practitioners from various fields, all dedicated to the preservation of truth and to countering the ill effects of disinformation.

Knowledge, facts and truth are being challenged, and challenged very aggressively. Disinformation and fake news are being used not only by individuals and organizations, but also by state actors to destabilize entire societies, to severely erode public confidence in private and public sector organizations and to attack our core beliefs in freedom, equality, the rule of law and human rights. Our core mandate at the University of Ottawa is about research, critical thinking and the advancement and circulation of knowledge and facts. The University of Ottawa has a convening power that allows to bring together the best minds from around the world. We are in a country welcomed and recognized internationally for its “soft power,” thus boosting our own convening power. For all these reasons, it makes total sense that the Laboratory for the Integrity of Information is housed at the University of Ottawa, Canada.     

— Jacques Frémont, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ottawa     

An International Network of Experts

Past Event

Disinformation: Challenges and Dangers to Democracy

In partnership with the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Canada

Canada’s resilience to disinformation has been tested these past years with concerted campaigns from foreign adversaries and a thriving domestic disinformation ecosystem – not to mention the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These dynamics were fully on display with the contentious February Freedom Convoy protests against vaccine mandates in Ottawa and other major Canadian cities. Speakers discussed the challenges and dangers to Canadian democracy posed by disinformation.

Resource Centre