The problem posed by disinformation online is \"increasingly serious\", the BBC's director-general has said.<\/p>\n
Tim Davie told the Radio Times that \"traditional journalism has been playing catch-up in the disinformation world\".<\/p>\n
He added that this year has \"repeatedly\" highlighted the dangers of the online world as conspiracy theories about coronavirus and the US election were circulated on the internet.<\/p>\n
\"News sources such as the BBC need to work harder than ever to expose fake news and separate fact from fiction,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"We need to take care that trusted news is not blown off course by claims that are unfounded, however widespread they become.<\/p>\n
\"And we need to recognise that we are up against the well-funded, state-backed actors who see news as an extension of state influence and a tool for disrupting our societies and democracies.\"<\/p>\n
He added that it is important to keep up the fight against disinformation online as vaccines for coronavirus begin to be administered.<\/p>\n
\"As countries prepare for the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, the explosion of 'anti-vaccine' disinformation online represents a serious threat to public health.<\/p>\n
\"It's vital that news providers play our part to the full in scrutinising the science behind new vaccines and giving voice to legitimate concerns,\" he said.<\/p>\n
\"But it's equally vital that misleading claims and baseless conspiracy theories aren't allowed to derail attempts to bring this tragic global health crisis to an end.\"<\/p>\n
Mr Davie said he is \"proud\" of the BBC's effort to \"stand up for integrity in news and fight disinformation on the front line\".<\/p>\n
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Originally posted here:<\/p>\n
Problem posed by disinformation online increasingly serious, says BBC boss - The Independent<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The problem posed by disinformation online is \"increasingly serious\", the BBC's director-general has said. Tim Davie told the Radio Times that \"traditional journalism has been playing catch-up in the disinformation world\". Continue reading