"Dangers of disinformation and NATO's response to them"

As a values-based organization, NATO counters disinformation with fact-based, credible public

communications. We are transparent and have publicly outlined our approach to countering
disinformation. This involves understanding and analyzing the information environment,
engaging audiences to build resilience, communicating proactively and exposing major cases of
disinformation. This work is underpinned by strong cooperation with partners, as we cannot act
alone. From international organizations and national and local governments to private
companies, civil society and free and independent media, all actors – including NATO – have a
part to play in countering disinformation.

COVID-19 has affected almost every person in every NATO state. It is vital that this global
health crisis does not turn into a global security crisis as well.
NATO has demonstrated that it can sustain its operations, missions and activities, and maintain
readiness despite the pandemic. The Alliance is now preparing for a possible second wave of
COVID-19 with an operation plan, a stockpile of medical supplies and funding, while also
strengthening the resilience of our societies. That is because international organisations such as
NATO, as well as NATO Allies and partners, have faced a proliferation of disinformation,
propaganda and misinformation during the pandemic.
NATO views disinformation as the deliberate creation and dissemination of false and/or
manipulated information with the intent to deceive and/or mislead. Disinformation seeks to
deepen divisions within and between Allied nations, and to undermine people’s confidence in
elected governments. The Alliance has been dealing with these challenges since its inception and
has been actively countering a significant increase in disinformation and propaganda since
Russia illegally annexed Crimea, Ukraine, in 2014.
NATO has intensified efforts to counter disinformation, following clear direction from Allied
Heads of State and Government in the 2018 Brussels Summit Declaration, which stated: “We
face hybrid challenges, including disinformation campaigns and malicious cyber activities.” In
2019, in their London Declaration, Allied Heads of State and Government said that NATO is
“strengthening [its] ability to prepare for, deter, and defend against hybrid tactics that seek to
undermine our security and societies.”
NATO is responding in a unified manner, working in close cooperation with Allies and partners.
NATO acts in a measured and responsible way, countering disinformation with fact-based,
credible public communications. NATO publicly refutes false claims, debunks the main
disinformation narratives aimed at the Alliance and coordinates to share information, insight and
best practice.
NATO also works with the European Union, the United Nations, the G7 and civil society to
counter disinformation. A free and independent media is the best response to disinformation and
propaganda, with journalists free to ask tough questions and check their sources.
COVID-19 has focused the attention of many on the ongoing challenge of disinformation,
propaganda and misinformation and the potential harm it can inflict. In a pandemic, facts and
clear communications can save lives. They are essential to maintain public safety and uphold
NATO’s shared values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. By working together, NATO
Allies and partners are making our societies more resilient and our people safer.