Subscribers of this publication know how fake news has taken its toll on brand reputation and trust. It’s also battered trust in media. The question, of course, is what to do about it and who should do it?
Some European governments have taken legislative steps, as we’ve reported, although those who believe freedom of information must be protected at all costs are upset with the lawmakers’ efforts.
In the U.S., concern over fake news seems stronger than in Europe, according to a recent Cision survey ( PRN, April 24). Yet, Americans appear more concerned with government regulating freedom of information than they are with a bit of fake news leaking into media, Pew Research Center says.
Its survey shows nearly six in ten Americans (58%) would prefer to see freedom of access to information online protected even if it means some fake news is published online. Just 39% say Washington should restrict false information online even if it limits freedom of information.
The survey was conducted Feb. 26 to March 11 among 4,734 U.S. adults, weeks before Mark Zuckerberg went to Capitol Hill April 10-11. This is significant because when Pew posed the same question but inserted tech companies instead of Washington, the numbers reversed: 56% favored tech companies restricting fake news online, even if it limits freedom of information. And 42% said freedom of information should be protected, even if false information is published occasionally.
Communicators and marketers should note this concern with Washington interfering in freedom of information extended across nearly all groups, including young Americans, the college educated, men, Democrats and Republicans.
