Scourge of disinformation is a toxic weapon

Letter of the day

- Dr Barry Clayton, via email

Our society is being seriously harmed by false information in the form of misinformation and especially disinformation.

The former is, usually, the inadvertent spread of false information.

Disinformation is the deliberate and continued spreading of false information; it has a malicious intent. It is a weaponised form of misinformation.

The recent scandals involving tainted blood, sub postmasters and security data involving brave Afghans has reminded us of the widespread prevalence of disinformation in high and not so high places.

Disinformation is not new. It dates back to the 16th century.