Irish Government Launches Counter Disinformation Strategy Amid Algorithm Concerns

Disinformation has become a potent tool for shaping public opinion and undermining democratic institutions, with social media algorithms amplifying its spread for engagement rather than accuracy. High-profile incidents, such as doctored videos and viral misinformation in South Asia or the manipulation of elections in the US and UK, demonstrate the real-world consequences of unchecked narrative control. Despite the urgent need for robust defenses, recent actions in the US—including the closure of the State Department's office dedicated to countering foreign disinformation and reductions in cybersecurity resources—have weakened institutional guardrails. In Europe, governments are developing strategies to combat disinformation, but critics argue that without stricter regulation of recommender algorithms used by platforms like YouTube and TikTok, these efforts fall short. The rapid evolution of manipulation tactics, from deepfakes to astroturfing, highlights the inadequacy of traditional media safeguards in the digital age. Experts and advocates warn that without comprehensive, cross-sector responses to algorithmic amplification and foreign influence, societies remain vulnerable to destabilization and polarization.