From bullets to fake news: Disinformation as a weapon of mass distraction. What solutions does International Law provide?

Abstract

Disinformation is one of the features of the hybrid wars, arguably the most frequent types of current conflicts according to relevant international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union or NATO, which place the so-called “fake news” among the main threats to tackle. Although disinformation is not new, the current digital means have aided tremendously in the extent and depth of their impact. These tools allow the shaping of public opinion as never before, at times determining the outcome of elections, even in nations with consolidated democracies. Could a campaign of disinformation against a state be considered an interference in its internal affairs or a violation of its national sovereignty? Could such an action represent a threat to peace and security? How to face it? Conventional warfare has given way to ‘information warfare’, an expression openly used by most exemplary international organizations. New approaches and new rules deem necessary.