Information integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of the information ecosystem that citizens rely on to make decisions — including during elections. It is a systems-level idea: rather than asking whether one claim is true, it asks whether the overall environment gives people access to trustworthy information.
Why it matters
A healthy information environment lets voters find accurate information about how, when, and where to vote, and about the candidates and issues on the ballot. When integrity erodes, the consequences include confusion about voting procedures, loss of trust in legitimate sources, and space for manipulation.
Threats to information integrity
- Disinformation campaigns and coordinated inauthentic behavior.
- Manipulated and synthetic media, including deepfakes.
- False procedural claims designed to suppress or confuse voters.
Strengthening it
Improving information integrity involves transparency, media literacy, verification, and resilient institutions — not the suppression of lawful speech. Investigators reinforce it by focusing on behaviour and provenance, as explained in the information integrity guide. The concept is grounded in the influential Information Disorder report.
Frequently asked questions
What is information integrity?
Information integrity is the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of the information ecosystem that people use to make decisions. In elections it covers reliable information about how, when, and where to vote, and about candidates and issues.
How is information integrity protected?
Through transparency, media literacy, rapid verification, and resilient institutions — and by focusing enforcement on deceptive behaviour such as coordinated inauthentic behavior rather than on the content of lawful speech.