Infodemic Management and Government Disinformation: The Brazilian Experience

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most critical health crises in recent history, resulted in nearly 7 million deaths worldwide. The ensuing infodemic, characterized by the proliferation of information about the virus and vaccines, persisted beyond the cessation of the international public health emergency. In Brazil, this infodemic had collateral effects, including increase and structuring of anti-vaccine groups, reduced overall vaccine coverage, and a crisis of public trust, exacerbated by government dissemination of disinformation through official channels. This paper examines the interplay between government authorities and disinformation in Brazil, identifying key pitfalls and actors instrumental in maintaining public trust. Given that trustworthy sources of information are foundational to effective infodemic management, the collaboration of medical scientific societies, government entities, and national and international agencies is essential for a robust response. Necessary investments include (1) implementing epidemiological surveillance through social listening; (2) establishing a transparent, efficient, and agile communication strategy from public health authorities; and (3) enforcing stringent regulations and accountability measures for online disinformation.