Gemma Mendoza, head of research and strategy at Rappler, acknowledges transformation in journalism comes with challenges, and one major challenge they face is disinformation.

To combat this, Rappler utilises data and investigative journalism to understand disinformation networks and their context, Mendoza explained to attendees of the recent INMA Asia/Pacific News Media Summit.

Rappler — co-founded and led by Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa — is a trusted digital news organisation in the Philippines that originated on Facebook in 2011. Rather than just being a We bsite, Rappler actively engages with various communities on different issues.

Leveraging journalism, technology, and data

Rappler’s approach involves leveraging journalism, technology, and data to encourage civic engagement and action. In 2016, Rappler observed a surge in disinformation and online hate, prompting them to use data extensively to analyse and study this phenomenon. 

Their investigation began by discovering a network of 26 fake accounts, commonly known as sock puppets, which had the potential to reach millions of people, illustrating the severity of the disinformation challenge.

One particular story that drew attention and investigation at Rappler was deliberately pushed to make it appear as if it were new content on the platform. During this time, there was a bombing incident in the Southern Philippines that led to the declaration of a national emergency — a highly unusual response considering it was an isolated event. This raised suspicions about the dissemination of disinformation during a critical national situation.

At Rappler, the investigation goes beyond just analysing the content and claims being circulated. By examining the circulation patterns, they gain a broader understanding of the media ecosystem. Interestingly, the data revealed that traditional news organisations were being edged out, and other groups or pages exclusive to social media were gaining more traction.

“We don’t just look at the content, we don’t just look at the claims being circulated, but we also look at how these are being circulated,” Mendoza said. 

Through data analysis, Rappler can also assess the impact of platform actions, indicating how social media platforms’ decisions and policies influence the spread and impact of information within the ecosystem. This data-driven approach helps Rappler to combat disinformation effectively and maintain a keen eye on the dynamics of the media landscape in the digital age.

The rise and evolution of networks attacking journalists 

Tracking the impact of platform actions has led to significant revelations about the spread of disinformation and narratives on social media platforms. One notable example is the exposure of a Marcos propaganda network that had been circulating claims and narratives since 2014. This coincided with Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s plan to run for higher office (he is currently the president of the Philippines). 

The investigation revealed that some of the networks promoting these pro-Marcos claims were connected to the police and military, leading to further takedowns. It became evident that it is essential not only to track disinformation but also identify which narratives are being promoted by self-serving groups.

One specific narrative, the Marcos gold myth, existed online since 2011 within fringe groups. However, it gained traction when it was introduced to mainstream audiences by Marcos-Duterte support groups, fake history groups, and UniTeam supporters (defined as “an electoral alliance in the Philippines formed to support the candidacies of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte in the 2022 Philippine general election”). The volume of posts gradually grew from 2014 to 2020 and then saw a significant increase in 2021. This narrative aimed to deny kleptocracy and legitimise the source of wealth of the Marcos family. 

Marcos utilised his alternative information delivery apparatus to bypass mainstream media and debates, allowing him to control the narrative in his favour. This same apparatus was also responsible for attacking journalists and news organisations, leading to the denial of the ABS-CBN news channel's franchise by Congress.

The research and tracking of such narratives and disinformation networks have become crucial in understanding the dynamics of information dissemination and its impact on public perception and democratic processes.

Collaborations and community-building efforts

Rappler’s efforts in combating disinformation involve building communities and increasing awareness about the importance of fighting fake news. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, they organised Webinars focused on fact-checking, particularly related to COVID rumors. Realising the significance of fact-checking distribution, Rappler collaborated with various entities such as news organisations, civil society groups, academics, and other sectors to establish a network called #FactsFirstPh. This network plays a crucial role in forming a community of fact-checking and promoting facts-based reporting.

“Because of the attacks [on journalists], we felt a need to collaborate with human rights and law firms who were also able to help fight online attacks and reputational attacks,” Mendoza said. Working with these organisations helps strengthen their ability to counter disinformation effectively.

Goal: reach new communities, new audiences, and more

To extend their reach and engage new audiences, Rappler collaborates with influencers on platforms like TikTok, as well as artists and cartoonists. The goal is to build support and distribution networks that amplify factual information to combat the spread of disinformation on a broader scale. 

To expand the audience for fact checks and avoid being confined to echo chambers, #FactsFirstPH partnered with data consultancy TheNerve to adopt a data-driven strategy. They mapped networked communities that were highly active and influential during the lead-up to the May 9 elections, particularly in the realm of politics where disinformation was prevalent. By introducing improved workflows based on this data, the overall activity of the #FactsFirstPH network significantly increased. 

Using this data-guided approach, the coalition successfully built a mesh around fact-checking that extended beyond their initial partners. They managed to engage and involve not only their existing partners but also various communities that organically supported the campaign. This strategy proved effective in reaching a broader audience and combating disinformation more comprehensively.

Mendoza concluded her presentation with a quote by Maria Ressa: “Without facts, you can’t have truth. Without truth, you can’t have trust. Without trust, we have no shared reality and no democracy.”

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