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INTRODUCTION
ABSTRACT
Despite information disorder being a widespread
problem in countries in the Global South, the
study of this phenomenon remains dominated by
examples, case studies, and models from the Global
North. Knowledge about the various manifestations
of information disorder, the range of responses,
and the success rate of interventions to counter the
disorder remains fragmented and partial. In order to
gain a better understanding of the knowledge gaps
and areas where further research is required, as
well as to identify opportunities for inter- and intraregional cooperation, a scoping study of efforts to
counter information disorder in the Global South
was needed. The project that was subsequently
launched had three interconnected objectives:
1. To map the actors currently working to counter
information disorder and to identify the frameworks upon which such interventions are based
2. To learn from current approaches, tools, and
methods used to counter information disorder
3. To gain an overview of the research landscape
and to identify key issues and questions for further research.
This scoping study provides an overview of key
stakeholders and regional networks and a wide
overview of approaches, tools, and methods being
used currently. On the basis of the information
gathered through this scoping, an agenda for
further research and areas for intervention has been
identified. Further research on information disorder
I N FO R M ATI O N D I SO R D ER IN THE GLOBA L SOUTH
in the Global South must be encouraged; a critical
praxis approach, in which academic scholarship and
practical action research can inform each other in
ways that are mutually beneficial, must be adopted,
and journalism should be supported as a public
good while continuing efforts to ensure ethical,
trustworthy, and quality journalistic content.
1. INFORMATION
DISORDER AS A
PROBLEM IN THE
GLOBAL SOUTH
Despite information disorder being a widespread
problem in countries in the Global South, the
study of this phenomenon remains dominated
by theoretical paradigms, examples, and case
studies drawn from relatively recent experiences in
Global North contexts. This is despite the fact that
information disorder in the Global South is a much
older problem, often predating the social media
era. Across the Global South, organizations and
movements have arisen to combat this problem.
More research on the way that these organizations
work; on how their responses are informed by
social, political, economic, and historical contexts;
and on their successes and challenges can provide
important insight into how to design responses to
improve the quality of information, enhance access
Introduction – 07