Chapter 2: The Failure of Leadership to Respond to Information Warfare

TL;DR = The failure of institutions to defend against disinformation, combined with the government’s reluctance to pursue legal action or enforce laws already in existence who give these agencies the power and authority to hold those who spread disinformation accountable, has created an environment where right-wing extremists can spread COVID-19 disinformation with relatively few consequences. This not only endangers public health, but also erodes trust in critically important institutions such as medicine and health care, all with the end-goal of undermining the democratic processes. Addressing these institutional failures is crucial for effectively countering disinformation and protecting public discourse.

The leadership and administrative apparatus — from society wide at a governmental scale to across medicine including the institutional and organizational bodies of medicine — has failed to understand and push back against information warfare, or even support those who are trying to do so.

Institutional failures have played a critical role in enabling the spread and impact of COVID-19 disinformation by right-wing extremists:

1. Failure of Institutions to Defend Themselves and Supporters: Institutions, including government agencies, universities, and media outlets, often struggle to effectively counter disinformation campaigns. They may lack the agility, resources, or strategies needed to respond to the rapid spread of falsehoods and conspiracy theories. This failure to defend themselves and those who support evidence-based approaches to the pandemic leaves a vacuum that extremists can exploit. In some cases, institutions might underestimate the impact of disinformation or fear backlash, leading to a lack of proactive engagement.
2. Government and Agencies’ Failure to Pursue Legal Action or Enforce Laws: When government bodies and regulatory agencies fail to pursue legal action or enforce existing laws against those spreading disinformation and engaging in harmful practices, it emboldens extremists. This inaction can stem from a variety of factors, including political pressure, lack of resources, or concerns about freedom of speech. However, the failure to hold accountable those who deliberately spread false information can have serious public health consequences and undermines the rule of law.
3. Reluctance to Confront Misinformation and Protect Public Discourse: Both state and federal governments may be hesitant to confront misinformation directly, particularly when it involves complex issues like freedom of expression. This reluctance can be compounded by political considerations, especially if the misinformation aligns with the views of influential political groups or leaders. As a result, governments may avoid taking strong stances against disinformation, allowing it to proliferate unchallenged.
4. Lack of a Cohesive or Coordinated Response: The absence of a coordinated response to disinformation campaigns across different levels of government and between various agencies contributes to the problem. Without a unified approach, efforts to combat disinformation can be fragmented and less effective. This lack of coordination can also lead to mixed messages, further confusing the public and undermining trust in official sources of information.

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