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PRESS RELEASE -

Oxford experts launch new online tool to help fight disinformation

PRESS RELEASE -

Oxford experts launch new online tool to help fight disinformation

Published on
10 Dec 2019
Researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, have launched ‘The ComProp Navigator’, a new online resource guide which aims to help civil society groups better understand and respond to the problem of disinformation.

Researchers at the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford, have launched ‘The ComProp Navigator’, a new online resource guide which aims to help civil society groups better understand and respond to the problem of disinformation.

Developed by the OII’s Project on Computational Propaganda, led by Professor Philip Howard, the ComProp Navigator directs users to a range of online resources including bite-size guides, in-depth analyses, practical guides, fact-checking sites, helplines, online courses, and others. The launch of the site follows a series of civil society workshops held over the last two years with practitioners and journalists about navigating the disinformation landscape.

The online curation tool recommends resources to help identify or manage:

  • The mechanics, elements and scope of disinformation
  • Strategies for dealing with disinformation
  • Avoiding amplification of junk news, maintaining public trust
  • Cybersecurity for civil society
  • Online harassment and doxxing risks

Yung Au, researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute and co-developer of The ComProp Navigator said:

“In recent years we’ve seen increased scrutiny being placed on governments and tech platforms to combat the problem of disinformation. With mounting pressure, these institutions have started to mobilize substantial resources to investigate and manage the situation, however the development of tools and resources for civil society groups has been slower, which prompted the development of this site.”

Cindy Ma, researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute and co-developer of The ComProp Navigator added:

“We have developed the ComProp Navigator tool based on extensive feedback from civil society practitioners across the globe. Whilst it is primarily intended for those organisations who work on issues that are likely to be targets of disinformation, including human rights, racism, gender and LGBTAI+ justice, religious freedom and immigration, it could also be a valuable tool for the general public in the run up to the UK General Election.

“We hope the tool will be helpful to civil society organizations and the public, helping them spot the signs of disinformation and providing them with the necessary tools to take action.”

For more information contact press@oii.ox.ac.uk.