# Disinformation and Misinformation – Human Rights Disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation are the more precise words for the widely overused and highly problematic term “fake news” – a description that has been co-opted by authoritarians, undermines journalism, and endangers journalists/media workers. Disinformation and misinformation relate to trust in media institutions, journalists, and reporting, and is hardly a new [phenomenon](https://www.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/11848_Chapter2.pdf). While both disinformation and misinformation both refer to inaccurate or misleading information, according to the Global Disinformation Index ([GDI](https://disinformationindex.org/)), the difference between them is the nature of the intent. Misinformation is considered as more of a reporting ‘mistake’ that may or may not be spread intentionally, while disinformation is always purposefully and maliciously disseminated. Myriad organisations and initiatives have been established to address disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation – otherwise known as propaganda – and multiple resources exist as well. Recommended COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation resources: * MediaDev Insider issue on COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation ([GFMD](https://mailchi.mp/gfmd.info/mediadev-insider-issue-3266498)) * Resources for tackling COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation ([GFMD resource list](https://gfmd.info/resources-for-tackling-covid-19-misinformation-and-disinformation/)) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://policy-advocacy.gfmd.info/resources/internet-governance/disinformation-and-misinformation.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.