The recent re-emergence of interest in disinformation is not because the idea is novel, but rather there is a growing consensus that the digital revolution has greatly enhanced public vulnerability to manipulation by information, and that action needs to be taken to counter it.
The related concept of propoganda has been around far longer, but many see this more as a means of driving engagement and mobilization for social or political change, rather than simply to mislead. The relatively new term 'fake news' covers a far wider range of content, often with financial motivations rather than political.
But however these terms are defined, the overall explosion in information accessibility driven by technology is putting huge pressure on policymakers to implement better control, accountability, and regulation.
