The Battle Against Disinformation: How FakeReporter is Fighting to Save Truth in a Post-Truth World

2025-01-19

In an era where truth is increasingly elusive, disinformation has emerged as one of the most pressing threats to global stability. From undermining democratic processes to fueling societal divisions, the spread of false information has far-reaching consequences. At the forefront of this battle is Achiya Schatz, founder and CEO of FakeReporter, an organization dedicated to combating disinformation. Speaking at the Tech TLV conference hosted by Calcalist and Bank Leumi, Schatz delivered a stark warning: “Disinformation is destroying the world.” His insights shed light on the pervasive nature of fake news, the failure of governments and tech companies to address it, and the urgent need for collective action to safeguard truth.

the

Achiya Schatz, CEO of FakeReporter, emphasized the destructive power of disinformation at the Tech TLV conference. He highlighted how fake news undermines democracy, citing examples like the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and attempts to delegitimize election results in Israel. Schatz argued that disinformation benefits leaders rather than citizens, as governments often fail to adapt to technological changes, while tech companies prioritize profits over public safety.

FakeReporter was founded to address this gap by investigating and exposing false information, holding both companies and governments accountable. Schatz shared examples of their work, such as uncovering an Iranian network using WhatsApp to suppress voting and tracking influencers spreading false narratives about the October 7 attacks in Israel. He noted that 20% of the public now believes internal actors aided Hamas, showcasing the dangerous impact of disinformation.

Schatz also criticized tech giants for their lack of accountability, pointing to Meta’s recent reversal of protections for citizens. He warned about the rise of AI-generated disinformation, such as deepfake videos, which blur the line between truth and fiction. To combat this, Schatz called for policy changes, consequences for those spreading harmful disinformation, and greater emphasis on digital literacy to empower the public.

What Undercode Say:

The rise of disinformation is not just a technological challenge but a societal crisis. Achiya Schatz’s insights at the Tech TLV conference underscore the urgent need to address this issue before it erodes the foundations of democracy and trust. Disinformation thrives in environments where truth is malleable, and its consequences are far-reaching—from influencing elections to inciting violence.

One of the most alarming aspects Schatz highlighted is the role of AI in amplifying disinformation. Deepfake technology, for instance, has the potential to create hyper-realistic false narratives that are nearly impossible to debunk without advanced tools. This creates a paradox: as technology advances, so does the ability to manipulate it, leaving the public increasingly vulnerable. The recent example of a fake Taylor Swift video accusing the U.S. of funding a massacre in Gaza illustrates how easily such tools can be weaponized.

Another critical issue is the lack of accountability among tech companies. While platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become integral to modern communication, their reluctance to regulate content effectively has allowed disinformation to flourish. Schatz’s criticism of Meta’s recent policy reversal is particularly telling. By dismantling safeguards designed to protect users, these companies are prioritizing profits over public welfare, leaving citizens exposed to harmful content.

The societal impact of disinformation is equally concerning. Schatz’s revelation that 20% of the public believes internal actors aided Hamas in the October 7 attacks demonstrates how deeply fake news can penetrate public consciousness. This not only undermines trust in institutions but also fuels division and conflict within societies. The World Economic Forum’s ranking of disinformation as a greater threat than the climate crisis further emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue.

However, Schatz’s call for policy changes and digital literacy offers a glimmer of hope. Governments and regulators must step up to hold tech companies accountable and implement measures to curb the spread of false information. At the same time, educating the public on how to critically evaluate online content is crucial. Digital literacy empowers individuals to discern fact from fiction, reducing the impact of disinformation.

Ultimately, the fight against disinformation requires a multi-faceted approach. Organizations like FakeReporter play a vital role in exposing false narratives, but systemic change is needed to address the root causes. This includes stricter regulations for tech companies, greater transparency in content moderation, and a collective effort to promote truth and accountability.

In a world where disinformation is increasingly sophisticated, the stakes have never been higher. As Schatz aptly put it, “Disinformation is destroying the world.” The question is whether we, as a global society, will rise to the challenge and protect the truth before it’s too late.