Disinformation — that is, content that intentionally misleads for political or financial gain — is nothing new. But as we’ve seen over the last year in particular, digital platforms have made it significantly easier to spread dangerous conspiracy theories, as patently false claims on topics as wide-ranging as the pandemic, racial protests, California wildfires, and presidential election results have gone viral with surprising speed and reach.
How Blockchain Can Help Combat Disinformation
It’s not a cure-all, but it does have the potential to address many of the risks and root causes.
July 19, 2021
· Long read
Illustration by Nata Schepy
Summary.
As digital disinformation grows more and more prevalent, there’s one emerging technology with the potential to address many of the root causes of and risks associated with misleading and manipulated media: blockchain. While it’s no panacea, blockchain can help in three key areas: First, a blockchain-based system could offer a decentralized, trusted mechanism for verifying the provenance and other important metadata for online content. Second, it could enable content creators and sharers to maintain a reputation independent of any publication or institution. And finally, it makes it possible to financially incentivize the creation and distribution of content that meets community-driven standards for accuracy and integrity. Of course, any technological solution will have to be complemented by substantial policy and education initiatives — but in an ever-more complex digital media landscape, blockchain offers a promising starting point to ensure we can trust the information we see, hear, and watch.