As false info hits 'boiling point,' ads warn US voters


October 12, 2020

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Verify before you share. Falsehoods spread faster than facts.

This is part of the advice given in a series of fast-paced, colorful and straight-talking public service announcements that aim to arm voters against false information about this year's US presidential election, including efforts by Donald Trump to raise fears of a rigged vote.

Disinformation threatens to mislead voters and undermine confidence in the election -- the first presidential contest since 2016, which was marred by Russian interference.

The ad campaign, which its backers call a unique effort in key states including Florida and Pennsylvania, has been welcomed by voting activists...

Ethan Porter, assistant professor of media and public affairs at George Washington University, said studies have found that news literacy campaigns work, and also that the type of direct appeal to individuals made by these ads can cause a change in behavior.

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