Reference
Disinformation glossary
Terms used in fact-checking and information-integrity work. Definitions describe observable information practices and should not be used as labels for people without evidence.
- Astroturfing
- An organized campaign designed to look like spontaneous public support or opposition.
- Bot account
- An account operated partly or entirely by software. Automation alone does not prove malicious intent.
- Clickbait
- A headline or preview optimized for attention that exaggerates or misrepresents the underlying content.
- Deepfake
- Synthetic or manipulated audio, video or imagery made to imitate a real person or event.
- Disinformation
- False or misleading information deliberately created or distributed to deceive.
- Infodemic
- An overabundance of accurate and inaccurate information that makes reliable guidance harder to find.
- Manipulation
- The use of selective facts, framing or omitted context to produce a misleading conclusion.
- Misinformation
- False information shared without a demonstrated intention to deceive.
- OSINT
- Research and verification using lawfully available public sources such as records, archives, maps and media.
- Phishing
- A deceptive message or site designed to steal credentials, payment details or other sensitive information.