Misinformation, a plague that must be stopped

The floods in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul have killed nearly 150 people, directly affected more than 2 million, caused unprecedented infrastructure damage, and are now raising concerns about the billions of reais needed to repair the damage.

However, the disaster itself was not the only issue that concerned and upset people throughout the month of May.

While many mobilized to face this ongoing climate disaster, others used their digital weapons to create a crisis within the crisis, spreading misinformation about the floods and those orbiting them.

There are several examples of how vicious people can be during this emergency. Rumors range from old videos being shared as new, to the government being falsely accused of banning rescues and donations and refusing foreign aid.

There are also reports that digital influencers with millions of followers are using their celebrity to lie and defame volunteers for free.

Also this week, a group of leftist lawmakers filed official complaints against seven politicians for spreading misinformation about the floods. Most of them belong to Brazilian far-right political groups, and the charges against them are now in the hands of prosecutors.

Such systematic digital tactics are not new in Brazil, as the country spent several years engulfed in similar problems during the years of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro. Unfortunately, history repeats itself, even in times when humanity should prevail.

If you want to help the victims of the floods from inside Brazil, check this link. For those who live abroad, here’s a list of options.

Also, check out the creation of this cartoon on The Brazilian Report’s TikTok account (@brazilianreport).

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