Identifying Misinformation Website

Identifying Misinformation Website

Question: What is the new identifying misinformation website that has been created? What is it designed to do?

Answer: Misinformation in the form of myths, rumors and "urban legends," as well as disinformation in the form of orchestrated campaigns to misrepresent a nation’s actions and intentions, are nothing new.

The Coordinator of International Information Programs (IIP) at the Department of State has an office that is charged with responding to misinformation about American policies and actions. The primary vehicle for disseminating this information is the State Department’s international website, usinfo.state.gov.

On March 9, 2005, the Identifying Misinformation site, included as pages within the international website, was launched as part of our effort to put forth facts and correct mistakes, both new and longstanding, surrounding urban myths and misinformation. It is intended for the general public and journalists.

Identifying Misinformation, provides guidelines in the form of questions to help journalists and news consumers determine whether a particular story is true or not.

The site is available in English and Arabic:

English: usinfo.state.gov/media/misinformation
Arabic: usinfo.state.gov/ar/Identifying_Misinformation

In addition to providing information via the website, the Coordinator of International Information Programs distributes Misinformation Alerts to U.S. embassies and posts.

2005/573 Released on May 31, 2005 Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 31, 2005 Question Taken May 31, 2005 Daily Press Briefing