Disinformation is difficult to combat, because successful campaigns often build on existing conspiracy theories circulating within communities. Efforts to counter disinformation with facts can sometimes have the opposite effect, further entrenching false beliefs.

A key strategy in countering disinformation is fostering critical thinking among citizens. Everyone should ask themselves important questions when encountering new information: Is this content reliable? Who is the author? What is the source of the claims? Is the information outlet reliable?

There are several tactics that states and organizations can employ to counter disinformation both locally and globally. These include raising awareness of disinformation and foreign information manipulation, actively releasing unbiased information, promoting trusted sources and authoritative voices, and providing tools for critical thinking. Supporting fact-checkers like Polygraph, StopFake, Snopes, and PolitiFact is also crucial, as is providing clear, timely information about potential events as soon as warning signs appear. Additionally, exposing and limiting the reach of disinformation spreaders and working with social media platforms to curb the spread of false information are essential measures.

In the future, unusual disease outbreaks or deliberate biological attacks are likely to be accompanied by disinformation, which could undermine the credibility of public health institutions and affect public behavior. It is crucial that states take the threat of disinformation seriously and take active steps to protect their people and institutions from its harmful effects.