Disinformation and misinformation explained
Misinformation can pose a risk to people’s health and safety, as well as to society more generally.
Some misinformation is deliberately spread – this is called disinformation – to cause confusion and undermine trust in governments or institutions. It is also used to attract users to webpages for financial gain, where they may click on ads or be lured into financial scams.
But not all misinformation is deliberately spread to cause harm. Sometimes users share misinformation without realising it.
How disinformation and misinformation spreads online
Disinformation and misinformation is commonly spread through:
- false or deceptive information shared on social media
- made-up news articles of breaking or significant events
- scam advertisements (including using celebrities or figures of authority).
With an endless amount of information from different sources online, it can be difficult to know who or what to believe. It may not be clear where the information came from, who wrote it, or when it was produced.
When we share something online, we don't always stop to think whether it is true or trustworthy. Disinformation and misinformation can often be new, surprising or designed to create an emotional response. This can make us more likely to share it before checking the facts.
Tips to spot disinformation and misinformation
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Check the source. Does the information come from a credible website or a verified account? Check if other credible sources are covering the story. |
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Consider content or warning labels. Check whether the content has provided additional contextual or background information, including whether the content relates to a trending or developing event. Labels may also show whether a piece of content was produced using AI. |
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Look at images and videos closely. See if they have been or could have been manipulated. Many platforms incorporate labelling or other data that show when AI-generated content was created (and whether it has been manipulated). |
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Look for the facts. Is the story factual or is it just someone's opinion or personal experience? Is the story plausible? Be extra careful if the material is related to an emotionally charged or divisive issue. |
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Verify the information. Check official sources or visit a fact-checking website. |
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Read the full story. Headlines and images can be misleading and may only give part of the story. Check the date of publication to see if the story has developed. |
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If in doubt, don’t share it. You can also contact the platform directly if you have concerns. |
Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation
The Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation was published in February 2021 by the Digital Industry Group Inc. (DIGI). It currently has 8 signatories: Adobe, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Redbubble, TikTok and Twitch.
The voluntary code aims to provide safeguards against harms from the spread of disinformation and misinformation on digital platforms. You can read what measures signatories are currently taking to address this issue in their annual transparency reports.
Our role
The ACMA currently oversees the Australian Code of Practice on Disinformation and Misinformation. We have provided 4 reports to government:
- In June 2021, we provided a report to the government on the adequacy of digital platforms' disinformation and news quality measures.
- In July 2023, we provided advice on the effectiveness of the code and signatories' reporting activities.
- In September 2024, we provided further advice on the operation of the voluntary code.
- In August 2025, we provided the fourth report to government on the effectiveness of the code and signatories' reporting activities.
We continue to engage with DIGI, code signatories and other relevant parties on the operation of, and potential improvements to, the voluntary code. This includes:
- assessing signatories' transparency reports
- examining how signatories handle user complaints on disinformation and misinformation
- encouraging more platforms to sign up to the code.
Reporting or making a complaint about disinformation and misinformation
If you come across something online that you think is disinformation or misinformation, you can report it directly to the platform. Click on the name of the platform below to see the relevant page:
- Apple News
- Bing (Microsoft)
- Facebook (Meta)
- Google Search
- Instagram (Meta)
- LinkedIn (Microsoft)
- TikTok
- Twitch
- YouTube (Google)
If you believe that a signatory to the code has materially breached its obligations under the code, you may lodge a complaint online with DIGI, the code administrator.
DIGI will not accept or resolve complaints about individual items of content or individual content moderation decisions. Complaints about individual matters should be directed to the platform via its reporting tools.
Please note, complaints about disinformation and misinformation cannot be made to the ACMA. The ACMA has no power to action your complaint or enforce compliance with the code.