In a stark warning to the world, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Maria Ressa has raised the alarm about the insidious rise of disinformation, which is being deliberately weaponized to manipulate public opinion and undermine democratic processes globally. Speaking from New York, Ressa highlighted the alarming trend where powerful, profit-driven technology companies prioritize disinformation over the truth, utilizing advanced artificial intelligence to propagate falsehoods at an unprecedented scale.
Ressa’s insights come at a time when the integrity of journalism is under siege, as trust in media and factual reporting continues to erode. The consequences of this disinformation crisis are profound, with estimates suggesting that around 72 percent of the global population now resides under illiberal or authoritarian regimes that have been “democratically” elected. This troubling statistic underscores the extent to which misinformation has infiltrated the political landscape, allowing the subversion of democratic ideals and the manipulation of electoral outcomes.
“The sanctity of facts is being disregarded,” Ressa warned, emphasizing that the rapid spread of lies is not just a backdrop to our current political climate but a central threat to democracy itself. As misinformation proliferates, the mechanisms of fact-checking and responsible journalism are increasingly under attack, leaving citizens vulnerable to manipulation and confusion.
Ressa, who has faced her own battles against disinformation and government repression in her home country of the Philippines, spoke passionately about the urgent need for collective action. “We must take steps to protect the truth and ensure that information integrity is upheld,” she urged, calling for a renewed commitment to journalism that serves the public interest rather than profit motives.
In an exclusive interview, Ressa discussed the implications of these trends for global society, stressing that the erosion of truth goes hand in hand with the rise of authoritarianism. “When people lose faith in facts, they lose faith in democracy. We cannot afford to let this happen,” she said, pointing to the responsibility of both media and technology platforms in safeguarding the truth.
As Ressa concluded her remarks, she reiterated the vital role of informed citizenship in combating the tide of misinformation. “We must educate ourselves and advocate for transparency and accountability in media,” she declared. “Only then can we hope to reclaim the narrative and protect our democratic institutions.”
For those interested in a deeper understanding of this critical issue, Ressa’s appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, titled “Lies Spread Faster Than Facts,” is available for viewing. The discussion highlights the urgent need for a global movement that prioritizes truth and accountability in the face of rising disinformation.
The battle against misinformation is not just a fight for facts; it is a fight for the very soul of our democracies. As citizens, activists, and advocates for truth, we must come together to challenge the narratives that seek to divide us and work towards a future where information is not just abundant, but also accurate and trustworthy.
