Misinformation in Politics
Should New Zealand introduce enforceable penalties for politicians who knowingly make false statements?
Public trust in political communication depends on the accuracy and honesty of information shared by elected officials. Concerns about declining trust in government in recent years can be partly traced to misinformation and false statements made by elected officials, both New Zealand and other countries. This challenge may be addressed by introducing stronger accountability mechanisms for politicians who deliberately misinform the public, however enforcement is likely to be challenging given the complex nature of regulating speech in New Zealand.
