At National Online Safety, we provide multi-award-winning online safety education for the whole school community. It’s our mission to make the internet a safer place for children. We believe that when children go online to learn, communicate or play, they should be able to do so safely. That’s why we provide schools all over the world with the knowledge they need in order to tackle new and evolving online risks.
Misinformation and Disinformation
What's the difference between misinformation and disinformation? If they're both misleading, why is one forgivable and the other deplorable? Watch our five-minute explainer video to help separate the facts from the fiction.
What are misinformation and disinformation?
‘Don’t believe everything you read’ is an age-old mantra, but it’s especially applicable to the internet, where anonymity makes it easier to publish almost anything. Misinformation and disinformation are both forms of spreading fake news and claims; however, they have different intentions. Those engaging in misinformation don’t know that what they’re spreading is fiction, but disinformation is the act of spreading content maliciously with the intent to deceive. The spread of fake information can be seriously damaging to children, young people and adults.
For more information on the associated risks and online safety tips for parents and carers, watch our explainer video, available to those with a National Online Safety membership.
