“From an Statement (Endorsed on August 20, 2018):

The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is deeply concerned about the phenomenon of ‘fake news’, and in particular the policy responses that aim to address it. This statement contains recommendations to governments and libraries, and will be accompanied by a toolkit of resources.

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IFLA therefore calls on governments to:

• Refrain from passing laws which will have a disproportionate impact on freedom of access to information and freedom of expression, notably through broadly or vaguely defined ‘bans’ of ‘fake news’, or other restrictions of access to digital resources and the Internet.

• Ensure that Internet platform regulation does not create incentives to restrict free speech in an unwarranted fashion.

• Show restraint in referring to “fake news” to avoid legitimising it as an excuse for censorship.

• Invest in media and information literacy programmes at all levels and for people of all ages which respond to contemporary needs, notably through libraries and schools, as part of broader efforts to achieve UN 2030 Agenda targets on education.

• Support research into:
  • the way in which information is created and shared online, while respecting the privacy of users, and
  • advertising models which may distort the way in which information is displayed and shared.

• Work with all relevant partners to promote the value of quality information, ensuring that such efforts do not exclude new or diverse voices.

Read the Complete Statement

See Also: Real Solutions to Fake News: How Libraries Help (August 2017)”