This election year, coordinated disinformation campaigns are spreading false information and conspiracy theories online and at public events.
Tactics include stacking meetings, asking the same pre-prepared questions in multiple forums and media, and attempting to shout down speakers. The aim is to force politicians to respond to and thereby legitimise and amplify fringe views.
The harmful conspiracy theories include claims that the covid vaccine is causing mass deaths and New Zealand will be forced to impose lockdowns by the UN.
The groups promoting these ideas are vocal and radicalised. Some have openly stated their intention to overthrow the government, going as far as calling for the murder or arrest of politicians in a gross parody of the Nuremberg trials. Others have adopted less radical public positions as a strategy to insert disinformation and conspiracy theories into public debate.
It is highly unlikely that people who hold the most extreme conspiracist views will vote for any mainstream political party or candidate. However, we are concerned that candidates will mistake the loud activism of this minority for popular support and feel pressured to pander to them, giving them legitimacy and amplification.
To avoid this we urge candidates to take the following actions:
- Do not amplify conspiracy theories and disinformation, downplay or change policies to appeal to conspiracy theorists or legitimise unfounded attacks on people or institutions. You will lose more votes than you attract.
- Inform yourself about the agendas of organisations, influencers and “alternative media” representatives – don’t be naïve. Know the spectrum and draw a line.
- Demonstrate your commitment to the democratic process by canvassing the full range of views in your electorate to ensure the loud, conspiracy orientated minority don’t drown out other voices.
- Avoid comments, phrasings and interactions that legitimise or imply you agree with harmful conspiracy theories or disinformation.
- Maintain your party’s commitment to factual information and evidence-based debate as a basis for policy.
If you want further information, FACT can help. If you have questions about our work or want to know more about the evidence behind our statement, click here or contact info@factaotearoa.nz.
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Founded during the build-up to the 2020 New Zealand General Election, FACT Aotearoa (Fight Against Conspiracy Theories) is a grassroots charity made up of volunteers from all professions monitoring and actively opposing misinformation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Regards,
FACT Aotearoa
