Report on a survey for fact checkers on COVID-19 vaccines and disinformation

Abstract

Hand in hand with the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented level of disinformation about the virus has been spreading rapidly over social media platforms. This ‘infodemic’ has created a number of challenges, including the serious risk that disinformation-fuelled confusion and distrust can undermine an effective public health response in Europe. Similarly disinformation around COVID-19 vaccines could risk undermining governments’ vaccination plans and more generally public preparedness for vaccines distribution. In light of the urgent nature of these risks, the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) conducted a survey among fact-checkers in Europe with a specific focus on disinformation and the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination campaigns. The survey was addressed at fact-checking organizations and players and enquired about a number of aspects, including their work and strategies to fight disinformation about COVID-19 vaccines and the disinformation narratives about the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccination campaign they were witnessing in their respective countries. The survey was sent to fact-checking organisations, fact-checking teams within media organisation and other players dealing with fact-checking in the EU and UK and was kept open for seven days. The results of the survey are published in the present report.