Disinformation
Disinformation is false or misleading information that is created or spread deliberately in order to deceive, manipulate or cause harm.
Last updated September 28, 2026
Definition in brief
What makes content disinformation is purpose, not accuracy alone. A fabricated quote, a doctored image or a coordinated push of a misleading statistic counts when someone is knowingly using it to move opinion or damage a target. When the same content is passed along by people who believe it, it is misinformation.
Disinformation is often run as part of a wider campaign. See information operations and coordinated inauthentic behavior for how those campaigns are organized and how platforms describe them.
Where to read more
PeakMetrics has published an in-depth comparison of the two terms, with examples and response guidance, at misinformation vs disinformation. Companies that face this risk directly may also want the article on why disinformation is a cybersecurity risk.
See how these signals show up in your own coverage on the PeakMetrics platform or run the free AI Perceptions check. Back to the glossary.