Origin and format of disinformation against Brazilian indigenous peoples

Abstract

Brazilian fact-checking agencies primarily focused on political statements rather than on the spread of fake news on social media platforms until 2018, when the focus shifted. This article aims to identify the channels through which false information targeting a vulnerable group, such as indigenous peoples, circulates and the media formats used in its dissemination. The Lupa fact-checking agency conducted, between 2018 and 2023, 36 verifications related to Brazilian Indigenous communities, which we evaluate based on the “definition” aspects of media framing methodology. Regarding the origin of false information, social media has proven to be a priority area (89%) for its dissemination, changing the historical way agencies operate and even leading them to partner with companies that use these technologies. In terms of formats, Facebook text and WhatsApp video were the most prevalent, either alone or in conjunction with other resources. Therefore, social media requires the attention not only of agencies but also of those who circulate information in these spaces, especially in text and video formats.