Dutch ministry develops misinformation guidance for civil society groups

The Dutch government announced on 9 October that the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science had developed guidance to help civil society organisations deal with misinformation, disinformation and intimidation. The government says it was drawn up with organisations working on emancipation and is aimed at groups supporting women and LGBTQ+ people. [1]

According to the government, the guidance covers how to recognise misleading information, record and retain reports of it, and decide whether and how to respond. The announcement also describes checklists, tips and questions to help organisations discuss the effects of a message on their staff, volunteers and wider community. [1]

The government says false or misleading stories about an organisation can cause fear and unrest, while responding to them can take time away from its main work. In extreme cases, the government says, such stories could contribute to dangerous behaviour. The Dutch government also acknowledges that guidance alone will not solve the problem of misinformation spreading quickly. [1]