The Global Disinformation Policy Database (GDPD) is a systematic effort to collect and analyze government responses to information disorder worldwide. It aims to address the critical need for comparative data on how different countries and jurisdictions are tackling challenges related to disinformation, misinformation, and other forms of problematic online content. The GDPD takes a broad view of information disorder, encompassing the full spectrum of false, misleading, or manipulated content that has potential for public harm.
At its core, the GDPD involves a rigorous process of qualitative coding of laws, policies, and other government actions related to information disorder. Trained coders carefully review policy documents and record structured data on various aspects, including the types of information targeted, regulatory approaches used, technologies involved, and potential harms addressed. This coding scheme allows for systematic comparison across different policies and jurisdictions, enabling researchers to identify patterns, trends, and innovative approaches in addressing information disorder.
The GDPD is designed to serve as a public good, informing evidence-based policymaking and facilitating knowledge sharing among stakeholders. By providing a comprehensive and structured dataset of government responses to information disorder, it supports the development of effective, contextually appropriate strategies for mitigating associated harms. The database contributes to a more informed, empirically grounded dialogue on one of the defining challenges of our time – the spread and impact of false and misleading information in the digital age.