Fake news undermines democracy, warns global survey

A recent survey conducted by Ipsos for UNESCO found that 85% of people are worried about the influence of fake news on their fellow citizens, and 87% say disinformation is a threat to politics in their country.

The survey also found that social media is now people's main source of news globally, with 56% of people getting their stories from these platforms. However, there is little trust in social media, with 68% saying it carries the most disinformation of all outlets.

The survey also found that 94% of people have been misled at least once by 'fake news', and 87% fear for the integrity of upcoming elections as a result. Overall, 90% think fake news is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

During election cycles, 91% think that social media platforms themselves have a duty to fight fake stories. 88% say governments and regulators should step in, and 75% say international bodies such as the UN should play a role.