In South Korea, pandemic data transparency comes at a high cost Published: 28 January 2021 Commentary Efforts to follow social distancing and mask-wearing rules have been crucial to South Korea’s success in containing the Covid-19 pandemic, but experts worry that other measures—such as sharing data from confirmed cases—have stigmatised and harmed marginalised communities. By Dahye Yim and Christoph Mayer
How to use data for the public interest, even – or especially -- in a pandemic Published: 24 November 2020 Commentary Governments, the private sector and other organizations increasingly collect massive amounts of data, some for the public good, other times not. A consistent framework could ensure data use is both beneficial to the public interest and sufficiently protected against misuse. By Aline Blankertz
"It must be a plot!" – Coronavirus conspiracy theorists take to streets in Germany Published: 10 September 2020 Commentary Conspiracy theories might seem funny in ordinary times. But against the backdrop of escalating far-right attacks worldwide in recent years and now the pandemic, these myths have spiraled into a dangerous pattern of radicalization. By Katharina Nocun
Why we need to rethink open data in Asia during Covid-19 Published: 10 September 2020 Commentary In Asia, the pandemic has accelerated efforts to keep citizens informed through prompt and extensive data sharing. However, this new openness has also led to concerns regarding transparency, data protection, and democratic participation. By Benjamin Zhou
Social Media Platforms Need to Flatten the Curve of Dangerous Misinformation Published: 25 August 2020 Commentary The rampant spread of Covid-19 conspiracies serves as a warning that our online information ecosystem can be weaponized well before platform administrators step in. To counter the deluge of viral disinformation, platforms should implement a circuit breaker mechanism to limit the exponential amplification of harmful content. By Ellen P. Goodman and Karen Kornbluh
In DR Congo, the challenge is convincing people that coronavirus exists Published: 17 August 2020 Feature False news is a major threat to the Covid-19 response in DRC. Government distrust, lockdown, and increased social media access accelerate the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By Jean de Dieu Cirhigiri
It's time for a transatlantic digital agenda Published: 6 August 2020 Commentary The pandemic-driven boost of digital innovation holds opportunities, but it needs a sound political framework. From countering disinformation to preventing algorithmic discrimination, the U.S. and the EU need to work together to set the rules for our digital economies and societies. By Julia Reda
The US Congress should seize the moment to modernize during Covid-19 Published: 3 August 2020 Commentary The coronavirus pandemic highlights the challenges of outdated congressional practices that needed to be addressed long ago. Individual members' offices and leadership of the House and Senate should reevaluate how technology can help US lawmakers better serve their constituents and their country. By Ananda Bhatia
Activists in Asia fear anti-disinformation efforts will suppress free speech Published: 28 July 2020 Analysis In Singapore and South Korea, fact-checking initiatives have been effective in fighting Covid-19 disinformation. But other tactics – like confusing or overly broad laws – could be used to maintain political power. By Christy Tsang
Infected texts: disinformation meets polarization in Brazil Published: 22 June 2020 Analysis The fight against Covid-19 in Brazil has developed into an ideological battle, pitting President Jair Bolsonaro - who wants to reopen the country - against those who defend the WHO protocols. Brazil’s WhatsApp culture has opened the gate to a flood of rumors and fake news, some of which can allegedly be traced back to Bolsonaro’s inner circle. But the favelas are seeking their own solutions to counter disinformation. By Helena Costa and Mônica Chaves