Misinformation and disinformation
Misinformation is false information shared by people who believe it; disinformation is false information spread on purpose to deceive. Generative AI makes both cheaper to produce at scale, in any language, with realistic images and voices.
In one line, for a 12-year-old
Misinformation is wrong info shared by mistake; disinformation is wrong info shared on purpose to trick you.
An example
During an election, hundreds of AI-written posts from fake accounts repeat the same false claim about voting dates.
Why it matters to people
Democracy depends on shared facts. Before sharing, check who published it, whether trusted outlets report it, and when it was posted. Elections Canada publishes official voting information.