‘Fake News’ Reaches Risk Management

With all the legitimate concerns about the wildfires in the West, I was dismayed to see that people in Oregon were declining to evacuate because they were convinced that antifa would loot their homes. To try to catch members of antifa, vigilantes even set up roadblocks and demanded that those trying to leave present ID.

Authorities have said that, despite the rumors, there is no evidence of any involvement by antifa in setting fires, and there have been no reports of looting. But such “fake news,” amplified on social media, is complicating crisis management in Oregon. I’m afraid the pernicious effects of “fake news” will only grow — and massively — for risk managers... continue reading >