Friday, 15 May 2026
In an emergency, the last thing you have time for is checking whether what you’re seeing online is accurate, or if it’s misinformation or disinformation.
That’s why it’s important to know where to find trusted, reliable information before something happens, so you and your whānau can act quickly and stay safe.
Misinformation is used to describe false or inaccurate information that is spread unintentionally, without malicious intent. You know sometimes when you hear information from your neighbours, cousins, best-friends, workmate? It’s likely that what started out as accurate may have gotten twisted along the way.
Disinformation is different. It’s the deliberate spreading of false information to mislead people or cause harm. We’ve unfortunately seen a bit of this recently, with AI-generated images or videos being shared during natural hazard events, which can cause confusion and worry.
The best way to ensure the information you’re seeing online is accurate is by following trusted sources on social media, or by visiting their website. This could be:
By relying on these sources, you can quickly access accurate, up-to-date information when it matters most. They’re also great places to visit for verification if you spot something that your gut is telling you isn’t the whole truth.
If you do come across misinformation or disinformation online, avoid sharing it. Instead, report it to the platform or to NetSafe.