Misinformation in Referenda

The book identifies the impact of misinformation in the context of referenda and proposes innovative solutions to guarantee the conditions of formation of the political will during referenda. It brings together authors from the political and legal sciences to combat misinformation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The impact of misinformation on referenda is explored in-depth in this groundbreaking work. While misinformation has garnered significant attention in recent times, its role in referenda has been largely overlooked, despite its profound implications. This book seeks to bridge this gap by examining the issue from a multidisciplinary and comparative perspective.

To achieve this, a diverse range of legal orders is examined, including California and Switzerland, which have extensive experience with referenda, Germany, France, and Canada, which have recently implemented legislation addressing misinformation, and Brexit, Catalan independence, and the Italian constitutional referendum of 2016, which have witnessed the dissemination of false information. By bringing together authors from the fields of political science and law, the book aims to combine the expertise of researchers from different backgrounds and origins to propose innovative solutions.

Rather than focusing solely on combating misinformation, the book proposes strategies to ensure the conditions of formation of the political will during referenda. It delves into the mechanisms that can influence public opinion, the role of media and social media in spreading misinformation, and the legal frameworks that can be employed to regulate and prevent its dissemination.

This book is a valuable resource for legal scholars, political scientists, and specialists in political communication. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the issue and offers practical insights into how to address and mitigate the impact of misinformation on referenda. Moreover, its insights will be of interest to policy-makers, practitioners, and journalists who are grappling with the challenges of misinformation or disinformation in their work.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of political science and law. By examining the impact of misinformation on referenda from a multidisciplinary and comparative perspective, it offers valuable insights into the mechanisms that shape public opinion and the legal frameworks that can be employed to promote transparency and accountability in democratic processes.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367509200