Disinformation thrives because today’s online business models reward attention over accuracy. Harmful content spreads quickly, while the systems that govern our digital world lag behind.
The Global Disinformation Index (GDI) was founded in 2018 to confront this challenge. We began by showing where the risks were. Today, we’ve evolved to focus on fixing the systems that allow disinformation to spread in the first place.
We work with governments, industry, and civil society to build stronger rules, standards, and accountability across the internet. Our mission is clear: to make the digital information environment safer, healthier, and more resilient.
GDI stands on three pillars: neutrality, independence, and data-driven. These principles guide our work and ensure that we remain a trusted, global voice in shaping solutions.
Where does GDI get its funding?
GDI is supported by foundations and philanthropic partners who share our mission of building a safer information ecosystem. We do not accept funding from media outlets or technology companies to ensure neutrality and independence.
What is GDI’s global coverage?
We operate as a global organization with research, partnerships, and projects spanning multiple regions. Our work is not tied to one country or political agenda, our focus is on strengthening systems worldwide.
How does GDI ensure independence?
We remain nonpartisan and nonpolitical. Our decision-making and strategy are guided solely by our mission to reduce the harms caused by disinformation at a systemic level.
What happened to the risk rating work?
GDI originally used risk assessments to highlight the scale of the problem. That work served its purpose. Today, our focus has shifted to fixing the systems that enable disinformation, rather than rating or scoring websites.
What does GDI do now?
We help shape the rules and standards that make the internet safer. We advise governments, industry, and civil society on solutions that strengthen accountability, transparency, and resilience against disinformation.
GDI is non-political, nonpartisan, and global in scope. We partner with a wide range of stakeholders, united in the goal of reducing the harms caused by disinformation.
We do not take funding from media companies or grants from technology companies. Our support comes from foundations and philanthropic partners who share our mission of building a safer information ecosystem.
We publish research that explains how algorithms and monetisation systems shape the online information environment. By showing how these mechanisms work, we provide evidence that helps governments, industry, and civil society build stronger safeguards.