What is Harmful Information?

An umbrella term for a complex challenge

Harmful Information (HI) is an umbrella term that refers to any instance in which the spread of information online and offline has the potential to put the people affected, as well as humanitarian staff and volunteers, at a new or increased risk of harm.

It also encompasses the spread of information that violates international humanitarian law (IHL) or international human rights law or undermines the space for principled humanitarian action.

Why this term?

We have chosen the term "Harmful Information" for several reasons:

• We want to focus on the harm and not on endless debates about classification: disinformation, misinformation, malinformation. These are important concepts, but publicly, the Movement wants to focus on the harm it creates to its security, access, and acceptance as well as the impact on affected populations.
• We want to make the causal link between information and harm.
• Correct information can also cause harm.
• The disinformation of someone is the truth of someone else.
• It is a political and sensitive topic and we want to keep away from turbulent and sometimes dangerous debates.

The humanitarian consequences

We should focus on the humanitarian consequences of harmful narratives because they can: incite hatred and violence against specific groups; discredit individuals, organizations, or entities — including the Movement; promote dangerous practices or behaviours; and undermine social trust and cohesion, creating fertile ground for further spread of harmful information.