> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://oecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://oecd-media-support-principles.gfmd.info/toolkit/go-deeper/evidence-and-arguments/information-integrity.md).

# Information integrity

### **What it means and why it matters**

Information integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency and reliability of information, as well as the systems and processes through which it is created, distributed and received. In a modern media-ecosystem, weak information integrity undermines public debate, erodes trust in institutions, and compromises decision-making at all levels — from individual citizens up to governments.

Information integrity is deeply interwoven with media health and freedom: when the structures of independent journalism collapse, the informational “pipes and filters” of public life become distorted. In their publication '[*Facts not Fakes*](https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2024/03/facts-not-fakes-tackling-disinformation-strengthening-information-integrity_ff96d19f/d909ff7a-en.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com)',  the Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development (OECD) notes, “the accelerated spread of false or misleading information … creates confusion and exacerbates polarisation, distorts public-policy debates, and further deteriorates trust in government.” 

### **Why strengthening information integrity is urgent now**

Several structural trends are undermining information integrity across contexts:

* Digital platforms, generative AI and advanced tools have accelerated the spread of manipulated or superficially credible content, making the “volume, velocity and veracity” of information a strategic challenge. 

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* When information environments are degraded — be it through echo-chambers, algorithmic bias, or deliberate disinformation campaigns — the consequences ripple into governance, public health, crisis response, and national resilience. For example, distorted information leads to mis-allocation of resources, public confusion in emergencies, and weakened institutional legitimacy.&#x20;

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* Governments, civil society and industry now recognise that maintaining information integrity is a public good and a strategic policy priority — not a side issue.&#x20;

### **How to support and sustain information integrity**

Achieving robust information integrity requires coordinated action across the ecosystem — not just regulation of platforms or support for media alone. The OECD identifies [three complementary policy dimensions](https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2024/03/facts-not-fakes-tackling-disinformation-strengthening-information-integrity_ff96d19f/d909ff7a-en.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com): (i) transparency, accountability and plurality of information sources, (ii) societal resilience to disinformation, and (iii) institutional and governance frameworks that uphold the integrity of the information space.&#x20;

Key policy levers for sustainably supporting information integrity include:

* **Safeguarding plural and trustworthy media outlets**: Independent journalism and local media act as filters, watchdogs and translators of raw information into public knowledge.
* **Regulating and auditing digital platforms**: Ensuring transparency in algorithms, advertising and content-moderation mechanisms — especially in crisis or high-risk situations.
* **Investing in measurement and research**: Commissioning ecosystem mapping, resilience indices, exposure studies and tools to monitor and diagnose information integrity across contexts.
* **Strengthening public information resilience**: Supporting media- and digital-literacy initiatives, trusted messengers, community-level intermediaries, and rapid-response communication playbooks for crisis settings.
* **Embedding cross-sector governance**: Approaching information integrity as a whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder issue — involving communications, security, health, education and technology sectors.

### **Policy implications for policymakers and donors**

For the European Union and member states, embedding information integrity into broader policy frameworks means:

* Recognising information integrity as **core infrastructure** of democratic societies and markets, deserving sustained and strategic investment.
* Adopting blended funding models that support media viability, platform accountability and public-information resilience together.
* Ensuring regulatory frameworks (e.g. platform governance frameworks such as the EU’s Digital Services Act) are paired with strong enforcement, multidisciplinary research, and independent oversight.
* Prioritising local and regional media ecosystems as part of the “information-infrastructure” of democratic societies — including support for underserved communities and language-minority regions.

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#### Key Takeaway

Information integrity is not simply a technical term — it is the foundation upon which trust, participation and effective decision-making rest. Supporting independent media, strengthening platform accountability, and investing in resilient information ecosystems are therefore not optional extras: they are **essential enablers** of democracy, security and economic stability in the 21st-century information environment.
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